Can Medicare Pay for Dialysis Rides in Illinois?

What Original Medicare covers (and does not)

Original Medicare focuses on medically necessary services. Routine non-emergency rides to a dialysis center are not a covered benefit under Part A or Part B. Part B can cover an ambulance when other transportation would endanger the patient's health — that is a narrow medical-necessity standard, not a routine ride benefit. For the full picture, see our Medicare NEMT guide.

Medicare Advantage and dual-eligibility in Illinois

Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans add a supplemental transportation benefit. Check your plan's Evidence of Coverage for trip limits and how to book. If you are dual-eligible (Medicare plus Illinois Medicaid), the Medicaid NEMT benefit usually covers dialysis rides through your MCO. Learn more in our Medicaid NEMT coverage guide.

What to do next

• ✓Call the number on the back of your Medicare or Medicaid card and ask whether NEMT is covered for dialysis.
• ✓If you have Medicare Advantage, look up the "transportation" benefit in your Evidence of Coverage.
• ✓If you are dual-eligible, call your Illinois Medicaid MCO or its transportation broker.
• ✓If nothing covers it, ask Dream Care Rides about a private-pay recurring dialysis plan.

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