Quick answer
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not pay for routine rides to doctor appointments. Part B covers ground ambulance transport when any other way of traveling could endanger your health, and non-emergency ambulance transport only when it is medically necessary and ordered in writing (for example, some dialysis trips for end-stage renal disease); you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible.
Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans add rides to appointments as a supplemental benefit, so check your plan's Evidence of Coverage or call the plan. People with both Medicare and Medicaid can use Medicaid rides; otherwise a private-pay ride with Dream Care Rides is $50–$60 base + mileage (ambulatory) or $60–$70 base + mileage (wheelchair).
Last updated · By Otse Amorighoye, Founder & CEO, Dream Care Rides
Does Medicare Cover Non-Emergency Medical Transportation?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover rides by car, wheelchair van or stretcher van to medical appointments. If you have Original Medicare only, Medicare will not pay for those rides to dialysis, chemotherapy, doctor visits, physical therapy, or any other appointment. The only transportation Original Medicare covers is ambulance transport, under the Part B rules explained below.
The critical distinction is between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. While Original Medicare does not cover rides to appointments, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offered by private insurers include transportation to medical appointments as a supplemental benefit. Whether a plan offers it, and how many trips, varies by plan and by year.
Quick Summary: Medicare Transportation Coverage
- Original Medicare (Part A): Covers inpatient hospital services. Does NOT cover NEMT.
- Original Medicare (Part B): Covers emergency ambulance transport, and non-emergency ambulance only when medically necessary with a doctor's written order. Does NOT cover rides by car or van.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C): Some plans include rides as a supplemental benefit. Coverage varies by plan.
- Medicare Part D: Prescription drug coverage only. No transportation benefit.
- Medigap (Medicare Supplement): Supplements Original Medicare cost-sharing. Does NOT add NEMT coverage.
If you are a Medicare beneficiary who needs regular transportation to medical appointments, you have three primary paths: (1) enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes NEMT, (2) qualify for Medicaid alongside Medicare (dual eligibility), or (3) pay out of pocket through a private pay arrangement. Each option has different costs, limitations, and enrollment windows, which this guide covers in detail.
Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage: Transportation Coverage Compared
Understanding the structural difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is essential because it determines whether you have any transportation benefit at all. These are two fundamentally different ways to receive Medicare coverage.
| Feature | Original Medicare (Parts A & B) | Medicare Advantage (Part C) |
|---|---|---|
| NEMT coverage | Not covered | Offered by some plans (varies) |
| Emergency ambulance | Covered under Part B | Covered (same as Original) |
| Non-emergency ambulance | Limited (medically necessary, written order) | Same criteria as Original, plus possible NEMT benefit |
| Trip limits | N/A (no NEMT benefit) | Typically 24 to 72 one-way trips/year |
| Provider network | Any Medicare-accepting provider | Plan network (HMO/PPO) |
| Enrollment | Automatic at 65 (if SS eligible) | Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) |
Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
Original Medicare is the federal health insurance program administered directly by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and some home health care. Part B covers outpatient services, physician visits, preventive care, durable medical equipment, and emergency ambulance transport. Neither Part A nor Part B covers non-emergency rides by car or van — not rides to doctor appointments, not wheelchair van service, and not stretcher-van transport. Ambulance transport is the only exception, and only under the Part B rules below.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies (UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and others) and approved by CMS. These plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but they can add supplemental benefits — and transportation is one of the most common additions. According to CMS data, over 33 million Americans were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans in 2025, representing more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries. The transportation benefit has become a key competitive differentiator between plans.
Not all Medicare Advantage plans are equal. Some offer unlimited rides to any medical appointment. Others cap coverage at 24 one-way trips per year (12 round trips) or restrict rides to specific appointment types like dialysis, chemotherapy, or primary care. Always verify the specific terms of your plan before assuming coverage. For patients with frequent medical appointments, the transportation benefit alone can offset the cost difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
What Medicare Does Cover: Emergency and Non-Emergency Ambulance Transport
While Medicare does not cover non-emergency medical transportation (rides in sedans, wheelchair vans, or ambulettes), it does cover ambulance transport under specific circumstances. Understanding the difference between ambulance transport and NEMT is critical because many patients confuse the two.
Emergency Ambulance Transport (Part B)
Medicare Part B covers emergency ambulance transport when the patient's medical condition requires immediate medical attention and transportation by any other means (car, taxi, wheelchair van) would endanger the patient's health. This includes 911-dispatched ambulance runs for heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, and other life-threatening emergencies. Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount after the yearly Part B deductible. The patient or their supplemental insurance pays the remaining 20%.
Non-Emergency Ambulance Transport (Part B — Limited)
Medicare Part B covers non-emergency ambulance transport only when it is medically necessary and a doctor orders it in writing — for example, a person with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who needs an ambulance to get to dialysis. In practice that means (1) transport by any other means would endanger the patient's health, usually because the patient is bed-confined and cannot sit in a wheelchair or standard vehicle for the trip, and (2) the ambulance transport is to or from a Medicare-covered service. The written order is typically a Physician Certification Statement (PCS). Prior authorization may be required for repetitive non-emergency ambulance transport (scheduled trips occurring 3+ times in 10 days or at least once per week for 3+ weeks).
Key Distinction: Ambulance vs NEMT
Ambulance transport requires a medical crew, life-support equipment, and is billed as a medical service under Part B. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) uses sedans, wheelchair vans, or stretcher ambulettes with trained drivers — it is a transportation service, not a medical service. Medicare covers the former under specific conditions. It does not cover the latter at all under Original Medicare.
Does Medicare Cover Ambulance Transport from Hospital to Home?
Medicare Part B covers ambulance transport from a hospital to the patient's home when the patient is bed-confined and transport by any other vehicle would endanger their health. This typically applies to patients being discharged after surgery, ICU stays, or acute care episodes where they cannot sit upright in a wheelchair or standard vehicle.
The physician or hospital discharge planner must certify that the patient meets the bed-confined criteria. If the patient can safely sit in a wheelchair or standard vehicle — even with assistance — Medicare will deny the ambulance claim. In that scenario, the patient needs hospital discharge transportation through NEMT, not ambulance transport.
When Medicare Covers Hospital-to-Home Ambulance Transport
- Covered: Patient is bed-confined post-surgery, cannot sit upright, requires stretcher and medical monitoring during transport. Physician signs PCS.
- Covered: Patient on continuous oxygen therapy post-ICU who cannot maintain airway positioning in a seated position. Physician certifies medical necessity.
- Not covered: Patient can sit in a wheelchair but needs help transferring. This patient needs wheelchair NEMT, not ambulance.
- Not covered: Patient is ambulatory but weak and has no ride home. This patient needs ambulatory NEMT or a discharge ride.
If Medicare denies your ambulance transport claim or if the patient does not meet ambulance criteria, Dream Care Rides provides hospital discharge transportation with ambulatory service starting at $50–$60 base + mileage, wheelchair service at $60–$70 base + mileage, and stretcher ambulette service at $350–$400 base + mileage. Call (708) 505-6994 to arrange same-day discharge transport.
Medicare Advantage NEMT Benefits: What to Expect
Medicare Advantage plans that include transportation benefits vary significantly in how they structure coverage. Before relying on your plan for medical transportation, you need to understand four key variables: trip limits, eligible appointment types, geographic restrictions, and coordination requirements.
Trip Limits
Most Medicare Advantage plans cap transportation benefits at a specific number of one-way trips per year. Common limits range from 24 one-way trips (12 round trips) to 72 one-way trips (36 round trips) per calendar year. Some higher-tier plans offer unlimited medical transportation. A dialysis patient needing 3 trips per week (156 one-way trips per year) will exhaust even the most generous capped plans within 5 months. For high-frequency patients, the gap between plan-covered trips and total trips needed must be filled by Medicaid, private pay, or community programs.
Eligible Appointment Types
Some plans restrict covered trips to specific appointment types. The most common restrictions limit transportation to: primary care visits, specialist consultations, dialysis treatments, chemotherapy and radiation appointments, and lab/imaging appointments. Trips to pharmacies, non-medical errands, and social activities are typically excluded even from plans with generous trip limits. Some plans distinguish between health-related and non-health-related transportation — the former category is broader and may include trips to the pharmacy or grocery store for patients with mobility limitations.
How to Check Your Plan
4-Step Process to Verify Medicare Advantage Transportation Benefits
- Find your Summary of Benefits — available in your enrollment packet or on your plan's website. Search for "transportation" in the supplemental benefits section.
- Call member services — the number is on the back of your Medicare Advantage card. Ask: "Does my plan cover non-emergency medical transportation? How many trips per year? Is prior authorization required?"
- Ask about the transportation broker — many plans use a third-party broker (ModivCare, MTM, LogistiCare) to coordinate rides. Get the broker's phone number and scheduling process.
- Confirm vehicle types covered — some plans cover only ambulatory (sedan) transport and exclude wheelchair van or stretcher service. Verify that your specific mobility needs are covered.
Common Medicare Advantage Plan Transportation Brokers
Medicare Advantage plans rarely coordinate transportation directly. Instead, they contract with transportation brokers who manage scheduling, provider networks, and billing. Common brokers include ModivCare (formerly LogistiCare) and Medical Transportation Management (MTM). The broker assigns your ride to a local provider based on your pickup location, vehicle type needed, and appointment time. Dream Care Rides is primarily private pay: if your plan has no ride benefit, you have used up your trips, or you would rather skip the authorization step, you can book a private-pay ride directly.
Who Pays for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation?
Seven distinct payment sources cover non-emergency medical transportation in the United States. Most patients use one or a combination of these options. Understanding which sources apply to your situation determines your out-of-pocket cost and how to arrange rides.
1. Medicaid (All 50 States)
Medicaid is the single largest payer for NEMT in the United States. Federal law requires every state Medicaid program to provide non-emergency medical transportation to beneficiaries who have no other means of getting to medical appointments. This is not optional — it is a mandatory benefit. In Illinois, Medicaid NEMT is coordinated through managed care organizations (MCOs) for most enrollees. Fee-for-service members access NEMT through Transdev/NETSPAP. Dream Care Rides accepts Medicaid in select service areas — call (708) 505-6994 to check availability. Visit our Medicaid rides page for details on eligibility and the authorization process.
2. Medicare Advantage (Plan-Dependent)
As detailed above, Medicare Advantage plans may include NEMT as a supplemental benefit. Coverage varies by plan. Not all Medicare Advantage plans include transportation, and those that do impose different trip limits, vehicle type restrictions, and appointment type requirements. Apart from medically necessary ambulance transport under Part B, this is the only Medicare-related pathway to ride coverage.
3. Private Pay (Out of Pocket)
Patients without insurance coverage for NEMT pay out of pocket. Illinois private pay starting rates for Dream Care Rides are: ambulatory $50–$60 base plus $3.00 per mile after the first 3 miles, wheelchair $60–$70 base plus $3.50 per mile after the first 3 miles, and stretcher $350–$400 base plus $6.00 per mile after the first 5 miles, per one-way leg. Private pay patients receive the same vehicles, drivers, and service quality as insurance-covered patients. See our complete rate schedule for detailed pricing or private pay options.
4. Private Health Insurance (Rare)
A small number of commercial health insurance plans include limited transportation benefits, usually restricted to post-surgical discharge transport or specific chronic condition appointments. This is uncommon. If you have employer-sponsored or individual market health insurance, check your plan documents for transportation or non-emergency transport benefits. Most commercial plans do not include NEMT.
5. Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation insurance covers medical transportation for work-related injuries and illnesses. If your injury or condition occurred on the job or was caused by workplace conditions, your employer's workers' comp insurer is responsible for transportation to authorized medical appointments related to the claim. The employer or insurer typically arranges transport through a broker or authorizes reimbursement.
6. VA Benefits (Veterans)
Eligible veterans can access medical transportation through the Veterans Health Administration. The Beneficiary Travel Program reimburses veterans for travel to VA medical facilities, and the Veterans Transportation Service (VTS) provides direct transportation in some regions. Eligibility depends on service-connected disability rating, income level, and other factors. Contact your local VA medical center's travel office for details.
7. Non-Profit and Community Programs
Several non-profit organizations and government programs offer free or subsidized medical transportation. Area Agencies on Aging provide rides for seniors in many Illinois counties. The American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program offers free rides to cancer treatment. United Way 211 (dial 2-1-1) connects callers with local transportation resources. Township and municipal senior services in the Chicago south suburbs often provide free or low-cost rides for residents over 60.
Illinois-Specific Medicare and NEMT Information
Illinois Medicare beneficiaries have several state-specific options and programs that affect medical transportation access. Understanding the Illinois landscape is particularly important for dual-eligible patients and those navigating the transition between coverage types.
Illinois Medicaid NEMT Coverage
Illinois Medicaid covers NEMT for all enrolled beneficiaries. Most Illinois Medicaid members are enrolled in a HealthChoice Illinois managed care plan (such as Blue Cross Community Health Plans, CountyCare in Cook County, Meridian, or Molina Healthcare). Each MCO contracts with a transportation broker to coordinate rides. Members request rides through their MCO's transportation line, typically requiring 48 to 72 hours advance notice for non-emergency trips. Emergency and urgent trips can be arranged with shorter notice.
Fee-for-service (FFS) Medicaid members who are not enrolled in an MCO access NEMT through Transdev/NETSPAP (Non-Emergency Transportation Service Provider Application Process). FFS members call Transdev directly to schedule rides. Prior authorization is required for long-distance and out-of-state medical transport. For a complete walkthrough of the Illinois Medicaid NEMT process, visit our Medicaid rides guide.
Dual Eligibility: Medicare + Medicaid in Illinois
Several hundred thousand Illinois residents are dual-eligible — enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid simultaneously. Dual-eligible patients receive NEMT coverage through their Medicaid benefit, not Medicare. This is true regardless of whether the patient has Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. The Medicaid transportation benefit provides rides to all covered medical appointments without the trip limits that many Medicare Advantage plans impose.
Illinois dual-eligible members enrolled in a Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP) or Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) should coordinate transportation through the plan's designated broker. The plan acts as a single point of contact for both Medicare and Medicaid benefits, simplifying the process. If you are unsure whether you are dual-eligible, check your benefit card or call the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) at 1-800-226-0768.
Medicare Advantage Plans Available in the Chicago Area
The Chicago metropolitan area and Illinois south suburbs have over 60 Medicare Advantage plans available for the 2026 plan year. Major carriers offering plans with NEMT benefits in Cook, Will, and DuPage counties include UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, and Molina Healthcare. Plan availability and benefits change annually — use the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to compare plans with transportation benefits in your ZIP code.
Illinois PACE Programs
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is available to Illinois residents aged 55+ who meet nursing-home level of care criteria but wish to remain in the community. PACE programs include comprehensive medical transportation to all program-related appointments. Ask the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services which PACE organizations serve your ZIP code. PACE participants receive both Medicare and Medicaid benefits through the PACE organization, including unlimited NEMT.
Cost Comparison: What Patients Pay by Coverage Type
Your out-of-pocket cost for medical transportation depends entirely on your coverage type. The following table shows what patients actually pay for a typical 15-mile one-way ambulatory trip and a 15-mile one-way wheelchair trip in the Chicago area.
| Coverage Type | Ambulatory (15 mi, one leg) | Wheelchair (15 mi, one leg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid | $0 | $0 | Fully covered. No copay. Unlimited medical trips. |
| Medicare Advantage (with NEMT) | Plan copay, if any | Plan copay, if any | Only if the plan includes rides. Trip limits vary by plan. |
| Original Medicare | $86–$96 | $102–$112 | Not covered. Full private pay cost. |
| Private Pay | $86–$96 | $102–$112 | Base + loaded mileage, before surcharges, empty miles and tolls. Weekend +$50 per leg. |
| Dual Eligible (Medicare + Medicaid) | $0 | $0 | Medicaid covers NEMT. No trip limits. |
For patients with Original Medicare who need frequent transportation, the annual cost adds up quickly. A patient attending 3 dialysis sessions per week for 52 weeks makes 312 one-way trips per year. At about $86 per 15-mile ambulatory leg (base plus loaded mileage, before surcharges), the annual transportation cost would be approximately $26,832. That same patient with Medicaid pays $0. A patient with a Medicare Advantage plan that includes rides pays the plan's copay, if any, until reaching the plan's trip cap, then pays privately for the remaining trips.
Money-Saving Tip for Medicare Patients
If you have Original Medicare and need rides regularly, check whether you qualify for Illinois Medicaid, which includes rides to covered appointments. Medicare Savings Programs such as QMB help pay Medicare premiums and cost-sharing but do not add a ride benefit on their own. Contact Illinois HFS or your local SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) counselor for a free eligibility screening.
For a detailed breakdown of private pay rates including stretcher transport, surcharges, wait time, and distance-based pricing, see our complete transport cost guide and rate schedule.
How Dream Care Rides Can Help Medicare Patients
Dream Care Rides provides non-emergency medical transportation for Medicare patients regardless of their specific coverage situation. Most of our riders pay privately, and every rider gets the same ADA-compliant vehicles, trained drivers, and 99% on-time record.
Medicaid-Covered Rides
Medicaid accepted in select service areas — call (708) 505-6994 to check availability. Learn more.
Medicare Advantage Plan Rides
If your Medicare Advantage plan includes rides, book them through the plan's transportation line. If it doesn't, or you've used your trips, a private-pay ride needs no authorization — call (708) 505-6994.
Private Pay
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Ambulatory $50–$60 base + mileage, wheelchair $60–$70 base + mileage, stretcher $350–$400 base + mileage. See private pay options.
Coverage Navigation Help
Not sure who pays for your rides? Call us at (708) 505-6994. We help patients identify their coverage options and arrange rides through the correct channel.
Service Area
Dream Care Rides is headquartered at 20000 Governors Dr Suite 103H, Olympia Fields, IL 60461. We serve the greater Chicago metropolitan area (see senior transportation in Chicago for door-to-door rides to appointments), including Cook County, Will County, DuPage County, Lake County, and the Indiana border communities of Hammond, Gary, Merrillville, and Portage. For long-distance medical transport beyond our standard service area, call (708) 505-6994 for a custom quote.
Vehicle Types Available
Our fleet includes ambulatory sedans and SUVs for patients who can walk and sit upright, ADA-compliant wheelchair vans with hydraulic lifts for wheelchair users, and stretcher ambulettes with two-person crews for patients who must remain recumbent during transport. All vehicles are climate-controlled, regularly inspected, and equipped for oxygen transport when needed.
Need a Ride? Private Pay First, Medicaid in Select Areas
Call (708) 505-6994 or book online. Your exact price shows before anything is charged.
Frequently Asked Questions: Medicare and Medical Transportation
Only by ambulance, and only under specific rules. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine rides to medical appointments. Part B covers ground ambulance transport when any other way of traveling could endanger your health, and non-emergency ambulance transport only when it is medically necessary and your doctor orders it in writing; you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible (source: medicare.gov). Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans add rides to appointments as a supplemental benefit, which varies by plan.
No, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not pay for rides to doctor appointments. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include rides to appointments as a supplemental benefit. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage or call the number on your member ID card to confirm whether transportation to doctor visits is included. If you have Original Medicare only, your options are Medicaid (if dual-eligible), private pay, or community assistance programs. Call Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 for help identifying your coverage options.
Only when an ambulance is medically necessary. Medicare Part B covers ambulance transport from a hospital to your home when transport by any other means would endanger the patient’s health — typically a patient who is bed-confined (cannot sit in a wheelchair or standard vehicle) — and a doctor documents that need in writing. If the patient can safely sit upright and does not require medical monitoring during transport, Medicare will not cover ambulance transport home. In that case, non-emergency medical transportation through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, or private pay is the appropriate option. Dream Care Rides provides hospital discharge transport starting at $50–$60 base + mileage for ambulatory and $60–$70 base + mileage for wheelchair service — call (708) 505-6994.
No, not for rides by car, wheelchair van or stretcher van. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers transportation only by ambulance: emergencies, and non-emergency ambulance trips that are medically necessary and ordered in writing by a doctor (for example, some dialysis trips for people with end-stage renal disease). Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans add rides to appointments as a supplemental benefit. Coverage varies by plan: some offer a set number of one-way trips per year, and some offer none, so check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage.
Non-emergency medical transportation is paid for by one or more of these sources: Medicaid (covers NEMT in all 50 states as a mandatory benefit), Medicare Advantage plans (a supplemental benefit in some plans), private health insurance (rare but some plans include it), workers’ compensation (for work-related injuries), VA benefits (for eligible veterans), non-profit and community programs (Area Agencies on Aging, United Way 211), and private pay (out of pocket). Most patients in Illinois use either Medicaid or private pay. Call Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 to discuss your specific situation.
Check your Medicare Advantage transportation coverage in three ways: (1) Read your plan’s Summary of Benefits document — look for “transportation” or “non-emergency medical transportation” under supplemental benefits. (2) Log into your plan’s member portal and search for transportation benefits. (3) Call the member services number on the back of your Medicare Advantage card and ask specifically about NEMT coverage, trip limits, and whether prior authorization is required. When you call, ask these four questions: How many one-way trips per year are covered? Do trips require prior authorization? Is there a per-trip copay? Does the plan use a specific transportation broker?
The difference is fundamental. Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation in all 50 states as a mandatory federal benefit — every Medicaid enrollee is entitled to rides to medical appointments. Original Medicare does not cover rides to appointments; it covers ambulance transport only when medically necessary. Medicare Advantage plans may offer NEMT as an optional supplemental benefit, but coverage varies by plan and is not guaranteed. Dual-eligible patients (those with both Medicare and Medicaid) receive NEMT coverage through their Medicaid benefit, not Medicare. In Illinois, Medicaid NEMT is coordinated through managed care organizations or Transdev/NETSPAP for fee-for-service members.
Without insurance coverage, Dream Care Rides charges starting base rates plus mileage: ambulatory (sedan/SUV) $50–$60 base plus $3.00 per mile after the first 3 miles; wheelchair-accessible van $60–$70 base plus $3.50 per mile after the first 3 miles; stretcher ambulette $350–$400 base plus $6.00 per mile after the first 5 miles. Base rates are per one-way leg; a round trip is two legs. A 15-mile ambulatory leg comes to about $86–$96 in base plus loaded mileage, before surcharges, empty miles and tolls. Weekend rides add +$50 per leg, and major holidays add a fee shown before you book. Visit our rates page or call (708) 505-6994 for an exact quote.
No. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans do not cover non-emergency medical transportation. Medigap plans only cover cost-sharing gaps in Original Medicare — deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for services that Original Medicare already covers. Since Original Medicare excludes NEMT entirely, Medigap has nothing to supplement. If you have Original Medicare plus a Medigap plan and need regular medical transportation, your options are Medicaid (if income-eligible), private pay, or switching to a Medicare Advantage plan that includes transportation benefits during the next Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7).
Original Medicare does not cover wheelchair van transportation for non-emergency trips. Medicare Part B covers wheelchair-accessible ambulance transport only when the patient meets medical necessity criteria (bed-confined and transport by other means would endanger health). Medicare Advantage plans that include NEMT benefits typically cover wheelchair van transportation to medical appointments, though some plans limit the number of trips or require prior authorization. Dream Care Rides provides wheelchair-accessible van transportation starting at $60–$70 base + mileage. Call (708) 505-6994 for availability and pricing.
Sometimes. Medicare Part B can cover non-emergency ambulance transport to dialysis for a person with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) when an ambulance is medically necessary and a doctor orders it in writing, and Medicare may require prior authorization for repeated scheduled trips. It does not cover a car, wheelchair van or stretcher van ride to dialysis. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible.
Illinois Medicare patients without NEMT coverage can access several assistance programs: (1) Illinois Medicaid — dual-eligible patients get full NEMT coverage. (2) Ride Connection and RTA Paratransit — ADA paratransit service in the Chicago metro area. (3) Area Agencies on Aging — some provide volunteer driver programs for seniors. (4) United Way 211 — call 2-1-1 for local transportation assistance referrals. (5) Township and municipal senior services — many south suburbs offer senior ride programs. (6) Veterans Affairs — eligible veterans can access VA transportation through the Veterans Transportation Service. (7) Non-profit organizations — American Cancer Society Road to Recovery for cancer patients. Contact Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 for help navigating these options.
Related Resources
Medicaid Rides
Medicaid NEMT coverage, eligibility, and authorization in Illinois
Private Pay Options
Payment methods, billing, and out-of-pocket pricing
Rate Schedule
Complete pricing for ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher
Hospital Discharge Transportation
Same-day discharge rides for post-surgery and post-ICU patients
Long-Distance Medical Transport
Interstate and long-distance NEMT service and pricing
Transport Cost Guide
Complete 2026 pricing guide with worked cost examples
Book a Ride
See your exact price before anything is charged
Last updated: September 29, 2026. Medicare plan benefits change annually. Verify your specific plan's transportation benefits by calling the number on your member ID card. For current Dream Care Rides rates, call (708) 505-6994.