Does Medicaid Cover Transportation? Quick Answer
Yes — Medicaid Covers Transportation
Illinois Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to all medically necessary appointments at no cost to you. This is a federal mandate — every state Medicaid program must provide NEMT. There are no copays, no deductibles, and no annual trip limits for Medicaid transportation.
Covered rides include sedan (ambulatory), wheelchair van, and stretcher (ambulette) transport depending on your medical needs. Medicaid pays the full cost of the ride, including mileage.
Call Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 to verify your eligibility and book a Medicaid-covered ride today.
Medicaid transportation is one of the most underutilized benefits in the program. An estimated 3.6 million Americans miss medical appointments each year due to transportation barriers, yet Medicaid covers every ride to a medically necessary appointment. In Illinois, over 3.4 million residents are enrolled in Medicaid, and every one of them is entitled to free NEMT. This guide walks through exactly how Illinois Medicaid transportation works, which phone numbers to call, and how Dream Care Rides helps Medicaid patients get to their appointments on time. If you need a ride now, call (708) 505-6994 or book online.
How Illinois Medicaid Transportation Works
Illinois delivers Medicaid benefits through a managed care system. Most Medicaid enrollees are assigned to a managed care organization (MCO) that coordinates all their healthcare services, including transportation. Understanding this system is the key to getting your rides scheduled correctly.
Illinois Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs)
Six MCOs operate in Illinois. Your Medicaid card shows which MCO you belong to:
- Meridian Health Plan (Centene) — largest Medicaid MCO in Illinois by enrollment
- Molina Healthcare — strong presence in Cook County and collar counties
- CountyCare (Cook County Health) — Cook County residents only
- Blue Cross Community Health Plan (BCBS of IL) — statewide coverage
- Aetna Better Health — statewide with focus on dual-eligible populations
- IlliniCare Health (Centene) — statewide coverage
Transportation Brokers
MCOs do not schedule rides directly. Instead, each MCO contracts with a transportation broker that manages ride scheduling, provider assignment, and trip authorization. The two primary brokers in Illinois are:
- Medical Transportation Management (MTM) — serves Meridian, Molina, CountyCare, and IlliniCare
- ModivCare (formerly LogistiCare) — serves Blue Cross Community and Aetna Better Health
When you call to schedule a ride, the broker verifies your Medicaid eligibility, confirms your appointment, and assigns an NEMT provider based on your location, vehicle type needs, and appointment time. Dream Care Rides operates as a provider within both MTM and ModivCare networks across the greater Chicago area.
Fee-for-Service (FFS) Medicaid
A small percentage of Illinois Medicaid enrollees remain in Fee-for-Service (FFS) Medicaid rather than managed care. FFS Medicaid transportation in Illinois is coordinated through First Transit at 1-877-725-0569. The same NEMT benefit applies — free rides to medically necessary appointments with no trip limits.
Not Sure Which MCO You Have?
Check the front of your Medicaid managed care card for your MCO name and the transportation phone number. If you cannot find your card, call the Illinois Medicaid Customer Service line at 1-866-468-7543 to confirm your MCO assignment. Or call Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 and we will help you identify your plan and arrange your ride.
How to Get Medicaid Transportation: Step-by-Step
Getting a Medicaid-covered ride in Illinois takes four steps:
Confirm Your Medicaid Eligibility
Verify that your Illinois Medicaid coverage is active. Check your enrollment status at the ABE (Application for Benefits Eligibility) portal at abe.illinois.gov or call the Illinois Medicaid Customer Service line at 1-866-468-7543. Your Medicaid card must be current for the transportation broker to authorize your ride.
Call Your MCO's Transportation Broker
Call the transportation number on the back of your MCO card at least 3 business days before your appointment. Have the following ready: your Medicaid ID number, appointment date and time, doctor's name and address, your pickup address, and any special mobility needs (wheelchair, stretcher, oxygen). Alternatively, call Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 and we will coordinate with the broker on your behalf.
Authorization and Provider Assignment
The broker verifies your eligibility, confirms the appointment is medically necessary, and assigns an NEMT provider. You will receive a confirmation with your pickup time (typically 1 hour before your appointment) and a trip confirmation number. Save this number for reference.
Your Ride Arrives
Your assigned NEMT provider picks you up at the scheduled time, takes you to your appointment, and returns you home afterward. The ride is completely free — no payment, no copay, no paperwork at the time of service. If Dream Care Rides is your assigned provider, our driver will arrive in a clearly marked vehicle and assist you with boarding.
For recurring appointments like dialysis or chemotherapy, ask the broker about setting up a standing order so your rides are automatically scheduled for every session without individual calls.
Medicaid Transportation Phone Numbers in Illinois
Each Illinois Medicaid MCO has a dedicated transportation phone number. Call the number that matches your MCO to schedule a ride:
| Medicaid MCO | Transportation Broker | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Meridian Health Plan | MTM | 1-888-336-0013 |
| Molina Healthcare | MTM | 1-855-549-8700 |
| CountyCare | MTM | 1-855-549-8700 |
| Blue Cross Community | ModivCare | 1-866-252-4073 |
| Aetna Better Health | ModivCare | 1-855-364-4104 |
| IlliniCare Health | MTM | 1-833-297-2388 |
| Fee-for-Service (FFS) | First Transit | 1-877-725-0569 |
Skip the Broker — Call Dream Care Rides Directly
Navigating transportation brokers can be frustrating. Call Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 or toll-free at (866) 507-5724 and we will handle the authorization process with your broker, confirm your ride, and get you to your appointment on time.
What Medical Appointments Does Medicaid Transportation Cover?
Medicaid covers transportation to any appointment that is medically necessary and covered under your Medicaid benefit. This includes virtually every type of healthcare visit:
Primary & Specialist Care
- • Primary care physician visits
- • Specialist consultations
- • Prenatal and obstetric appointments
- • Preventive screenings
Recurring Treatment
- • Dialysis (3x/week, 156 round trips/year)
- • Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- • Infusion therapy
Hospital & Surgical
- • Hospital discharge rides
- • Pre- and post-surgical appointments
- • Outpatient procedures
- • Emergency room follow-ups
Additional Covered Trips
- • Mental health and behavioral health
- • Dental appointments
- • Vision and optometry
- • Lab work and imaging
- • Pharmacy (select plans)
The critical distinction: Medicaid transportation covers rides to Medicaid-covered services. If Medicaid covers the medical service, Medicaid covers the ride to get there. Non-medical trips (grocery shopping, social visits, religious services) are not covered under the NEMT benefit.
Need a Ride to Your Medical Appointment?
Dream Care Rides works with all Illinois Medicaid MCOs. Call us to verify your coverage and book your next ride — or book online for private pay service with no authorization wait.
Free Transportation for Medicaid Patients
Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation is completely free at the point of service. Unlike Medicare Advantage, which may charge copays of $5 to $15 per trip, Medicaid NEMT has zero out-of-pocket cost for the patient. Here is exactly what "free" means:
- No copay: You pay $0 per ride, regardless of distance, vehicle type, or number of trips
- No deductible: There is no annual deductible to meet before transportation kicks in
- No trip limits: Unlike Medicare Advantage plans that cap rides at 24 to 72 per year, Medicaid has no annual trip limit
- No mile limits: Rides to the nearest appropriate provider are covered regardless of distance
- No paperwork at pickup: You do not sign anything or make any payment when the driver arrives
This makes Medicaid NEMT the most comprehensive medical transportation benefit available in the United States. For comparison, a patient paying out of pocket for wheelchair transportation with Dream Care Rides would pay $40–$70 base per one-way leg plus $3.50 per mile after the first 3 miles. A dialysis patient making 312 one-way trips per year could face annual transportation costs exceeding $20,000. Medicaid covers all of it.
Dual-Eligible Patients (Medicare + Medicaid)
If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, your transportation benefit comes through Medicaid, not Medicare. This means you get unlimited free NEMT even if your Medicare Advantage plan has trip limits. Approximately 400,000 Illinois residents are dual-eligible. Check your eligibility by calling Illinois HFS at 1-800-226-0768 or Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994.
Types of Medicaid Transportation Available
Medicaid covers three main vehicle types for NEMT. The transportation broker assigns the appropriate vehicle based on your medical condition and mobility needs:
Ambulatory (Sedan / SUV)
For patients who can walk independently or with minimal assistance and sit upright in a standard vehicle. This is the most common Medicaid transport type, used for routine doctor visits, lab work, pharmacy pickups, and specialist appointments. Service levels include curb-to-curb, door-to-door, and hand-to-hand assistance.
Private pay rate: $30–$60 base + $3.00/mi after the first 3 miles
Wheelchair (ADA Van)
For patients who use a wheelchair and cannot transfer to a standard vehicle seat. ADA-compliant vans feature hydraulic lifts or ramps, 4-point wheelchair securement systems, and climate-controlled interiors. Covered by Medicaid at no cost when medically necessary. Service levels include curb-to-curb, door-to-door, and door-through-door.
Private pay rate: $40–$70 base + $3.50/mi after the first 3 miles
Stretcher (Ambulette)
For non-ambulatory patients who must remain lying down during transport. Used for hospital discharges, facility transfers, and patients with medical conditions that prevent sitting upright. Stretcher vehicles carry medical-grade equipment and trained attendants. Medicaid covers stretcher transport when documented by a physician. Service levels include room-to-room, door-through-door, and bed-to-bed.
Private pay rate: $350–$400 base + $6.00/mi after the first 5 miles
Your physician or the transportation broker determines which vehicle type is appropriate. If your needs change (e.g., you transition from wheelchair to ambulatory), contact your broker to update your transportation level. Dream Care Rides provides all three vehicle types. Call (708) 505-6994.
Medicaid Transportation vs Other Options
How does Medicaid NEMT compare to other transportation options available to patients in Illinois?
| Feature | Medicaid NEMT | ADA Paratransit | Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | Public Transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 | $3.00/ride | $15 – $50+/ride | $2.00 – $2.50/ride |
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes (all vehicle types) | Yes | Rarely | Limited |
| Stretcher available | Yes | No | No | No |
| Trip limits | None | None (but limited hours) | N/A (pay per ride) | N/A (pay per ride) |
| Door-to-door service | Yes | Yes | Curb only | No |
| Advance booking required | 3 business days | 1 – 14 days | On-demand | N/A |
| Driver medical training | Yes | Basic | No | No |
Medicaid NEMT offers the most comprehensive coverage of any option. The main limitation is advance booking requirements and occasional scheduling friction with brokers. For same-day rides or when you want guaranteed on-time service without broker coordination, Dream Care Rides private pay fills the gap. View our rate schedule or read the Medicare transportation guide for patients with Medicare instead of Medicaid.
What If You're Not on Medicaid? Private Pay Pricing
If you are not enrolled in Medicaid, or need a ride faster than the broker scheduling process allows, Dream Care Rides offers transparent private-pay NEMT pricing with no hidden fees. Base rates are per one-way leg; a round trip is two legs.
Ambulatory
Sedan / SUV
$30–$60
base rate + mileage
$3.00/mile after the first 3 miles
Walk-on patients who can sit upright
Wheelchair
ADA Van
$40–$70
base rate + mileage
$3.50/mile after the first 3 miles
Hydraulic lift, 4-point securement
Stretcher
Ambulette
$350–$400
base rate + mileage
$6.00/mile after the first 5 miles
Non-ambulatory, gurney transport
Additional Charges
- Weekend surcharge: +$50 per leg
- After-hours pickups: 6–8 PM +$50 (stretcher +$100) · 8 PM–4 AM +$300 · 4–6 AM +$100 · 6–7 AM +$25 (stretcher +$100)
- Holidays: Major holidays: added fee — shown before you book
- Wait time: $15 per 15 minutes after the first 15 minutes, which are free
- Oxygen equipment: +$25 per leg
- Stair chair assistance: +$40 per leg
For a complete breakdown including distance-based estimates and cost comparisons, visit our rate schedule or explore private pay options. Call (708) 505-6994 for an upfront quote based on your exact pickup and destination.
Medicaid Eligibility for Transportation in Illinois
If you are enrolled in Illinois Medicaid, you are automatically eligible for NEMT. There is no separate application for the transportation benefit. The question is whether you qualify for Medicaid itself. Here are the main eligibility pathways:
Who Qualifies for Illinois Medicaid?
- Low-income adults (19 – 64): Income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $1,732/month for an individual in 2026). Illinois expanded Medicaid under the ACA.
- Children and pregnant women: Higher income thresholds apply. Children are covered up to 318% FPL through the All Kids program.
- Seniors (65+): Income at or below 100% FPL (approximately $1,255/month). Many seniors qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual-eligible).
- People with disabilities: Individuals receiving SSI automatically qualify for Illinois Medicaid.
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB): Medicare enrollees with income up to $1,715/month may qualify for Medicaid to cover their Medicare premiums and gain NEMT benefits.
How to Apply for Illinois Medicaid
Online: Apply at abe.illinois.gov (Application for Benefits Eligibility). Processing takes 30 to 45 days.
By phone: Call the Illinois Medicaid Customer Service line at 1-800-226-0768.
In person: Visit your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office. Find locations at dhs.state.il.us.
Through a hospital or clinic: Many Illinois hospitals have Medicaid enrollment navigators who can help you apply on-site during your visit.
Once approved, your Medicaid coverage is retroactive up to 3 months from the application date. This means rides during the retroactive period may also be covered. Visit our Medicaid rides page for more detail, or request a Medicaid ride directly.
Service Areas for Medicaid Patients in Illinois
Dream Care Rides is headquartered at 20000 Governors Dr Suite 103H, Olympia Fields, IL 60461. We accept Medicaid for trips starting within 6.5 miles of our Olympia Fields or Palatine bases. Private pay is available throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area and Northwest Indiana.
View our full coverage area map or call (708) 505-6994 to confirm service to your location. Toll-free: (866) 507-5724.
Frequently Asked Questions: Medicaid Transportation
Yes. Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to doctor appointments as a mandatory federal benefit in all 50 states, including Illinois. There is no copay and no trip limit. Rides to primary care physicians, specialists, labs, imaging centers, and all other medically necessary appointments are covered. You must book through your managed care organization (MCO) or the assigned transportation broker. Dream Care Rides works with all Illinois Medicaid MCOs. Call (708) 505-6994 to verify your coverage and book a ride.
To get free Medicaid transportation in Illinois, call the transportation phone number on the back of your Medicaid managed care card. Your MCO (Meridian, Molina, CountyCare, Blue Cross Community, Aetna Better Health, or IlliniCare) contracts with a transportation broker who schedules your ride. You can also call Dream Care Rides directly at (708) 505-6994 and we will help coordinate your Medicaid-covered ride. Book at least 3 business days before your appointment for routine trips, or request urgent authorization for same-day needs.
The Medicaid transportation phone number depends on your managed care organization (MCO). Meridian Health Plan uses MTM at 1-888-336-0013. Molina Healthcare uses MTM at 1-866-252-4prior. CountyCare uses MTM at 1-855-549-8700. Blue Cross Community uses ModivCare at 1-866-252-4073. Aetna Better Health uses ModivCare at 1-855-364-4104. IlliniCare uses MTM at 1-833-297-2388. For Fee-for-Service Medicaid, call First Transit at 1-877-725-0569. You can also call Dream Care Rides directly at (708) 505-6994 or toll-free at (866) 507-5724.
Yes. Medicaid covers wheelchair-accessible van transportation when the patient requires a wheelchair for mobility and cannot safely travel in a standard sedan. The transportation broker assesses your mobility needs when you schedule your ride and assigns an ADA-compliant wheelchair van with a hydraulic lift and 4-point securement system. There is no additional charge for wheelchair service under Medicaid. Dream Care Rides provides Medicaid-covered wheelchair transportation throughout the greater Chicago area. Call (708) 505-6994.
Yes. Dialysis is one of the most common uses for Medicaid transportation. Patients attending dialysis 3 times per week (156 round trips per year) are fully covered with no trip limits and no copay. You can set up a standing order through your MCO’s transportation broker so your rides are automatically scheduled for every session. Dream Care Rides specializes in recurring dialysis transportation with consistent drivers who know your schedule. Call (708) 505-6994 to set up standing-order dialysis rides.
Most Illinois Medicaid MCOs require at least 3 business days advance notice for routine medical transportation. For recurring appointments like dialysis, you can set up a standing order so rides are automatically scheduled. Urgent or same-day transportation may be available with prior authorization from your MCO, typically for hospital discharges or unexpected medical needs. Dream Care Rides can help with both scheduled and urgent Medicaid rides. Call (708) 505-6994.
Medicaid covers transportation for the enrolled patient only, not for accompanying family members in most cases. However, Illinois Medicaid does allow one attendant to ride along at no cost when medically necessary, such as a parent accompanying a minor child to an appointment or a caregiver accompanying a patient with cognitive impairment. The attendant must be documented when scheduling the ride. Dream Care Rides requires a parent or legal guardian to ride with every passenger under 18. Call Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 to discuss attendant accommodations.
If your scheduled Medicaid ride does not arrive, call the transportation broker immediately using the number on your MCO card. Request a replacement vehicle. If the broker cannot provide a timely replacement and you miss your appointment, file a complaint with your MCO and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) at 1-800-226-0768. You may also call Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 for immediate private-pay service to avoid missing your appointment, then seek reimbursement from your MCO.
Under the Illinois Medicaid managed care system, the transportation broker typically assigns the NEMT provider based on your location, vehicle needs, and availability. However, you can request a specific provider by name. Many patients request Dream Care Rides specifically for our on-time reliability, clean vehicles, and trained drivers. Ask your broker to assign Dream Care Rides when scheduling your ride, or call us directly at (708) 505-6994 to coordinate.
Illinois Medicaid may cover transportation across state lines when the medical appointment is at the nearest appropriate provider and no in-state option is available. This commonly applies to patients in border areas near Indiana, Wisconsin, or Missouri who receive care at the closest hospital or specialist. Prior authorization from your MCO is required for out-of-state trips. Dream Care Rides serves Northwest Indiana from our Olympia Fields, IL headquarters and regularly provides cross-border transportation. Call (708) 505-6994.
Ready to Book Your Medicaid Ride?
Dream Care Rides works with all Illinois Medicaid managed care organizations. Call to verify your coverage and schedule your next ride, or book online for immediate private pay service.
Related Resources
Medicaid Rides
Medicaid NEMT coverage, authorization, and booking in Illinois
Request a Medicaid Ride
Submit a Medicaid ride request directly through Dream Care Rides
Medicare Transportation Guide
Does Medicare cover transportation? Original vs Advantage explained
Private Pay Options
Payment methods, billing, and out-of-pocket pricing
Rate Schedule
Complete pricing for ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher
Dialysis Transportation
Standing-order rides with consistent drivers, 3x/week
Wheelchair Transportation
ADA-compliant vans with hydraulic lifts and securement
Stretcher Transportation
Ambulette gurney transport for non-ambulatory patients
Dream Care Rides • 20000 Governors Dr Suite 103H, Olympia Fields, IL 60461
(708) 505-6994 • Toll-Free: (866) 507-5724
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