NEMT cost guide
NEMT Cost by State
Estimated private pay rates for ambulatory, wheelchair and stretcher rides in all 50 states.
Use it to see how your state compares. For a ride in Illinois or Northwest Indiana, see our own prices below or call (708) 505-6994.
Dream Care Rides prices
Riding in Illinois or Northwest Indiana?
The state table below is industry data. Our own rates are per one-way leg, base plus mileage, and your exact price shows before you book.
Ambulatory
$30–$60
base + $3.00/mi after the first 3 miles
Wheelchair
$40–$70
base + $3.50/mi after the first 3 miles
Stretcher
$350–$400
base + $6.00/mi after the first 5 miles
See all Dream Care Rides rates and add-ons or call (708) 505-6994.
Nationwide NEMT Rates
What Does NEMT Cost Across the Country?
Non-emergency medical transportation costs vary significantly across the United States. Factors like cost of living, vehicle insurance rates, state regulations, and local competition all affect what providers charge. A wheelchair trip that costs $85 in Alabama might run $150 or more in New York City.
The table below shows estimated private pay rate ranges for all 50 states, including base rates and per-mile charges for ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher services. Use it to understand what NEMT costs in your area and how your state compares.
Note: The rates below are estimated private pay ranges based on published provider rate cards and industry data (2024-2026). Actual costs vary by provider, location, and trip details. Contact providers directly for exact quotes.
- New York
- Ambulatory
- $45 - $85 · $2.50 - $5.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $85 - $150 · $4.00 - $8.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $400 - $700 · $8.00 - $20.00 /mi
Cost levelHigher - California
- Ambulatory
- $45 - $80 · $2.50 - $5.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $80 - $145 · $4.00 - $7.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $375 - $650 · $7.00 - $18.00 /mi
Cost levelHigher - Massachusetts
- Ambulatory
- $45 - $80 · $2.50 - $4.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $75 - $140 · $3.50 - $7.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $350 - $625 · $7.00 - $16.00 /mi
Cost levelHigher - New Jersey
- Ambulatory
- $45 - $80 · $2.50 - $5.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $80 - $140 · $4.00 - $8.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $375 - $650 · $8.00 - $18.00 /mi
Cost levelHigher - Connecticut
- Ambulatory
- $45 - $75 · $2.50 - $4.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $75 - $135 · $3.50 - $7.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $350 - $600 · $7.00 - $16.00 /mi
Cost levelHigher - Alaska
- Ambulatory
- $50 - $90 · $3.00 - $6.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $90 - $160 · $4.50 - $9.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $425 - $750 · $9.00 - $20.00 /mi
Cost levelHigher - Washington
- Ambulatory
- $45 - $75 · $2.50 - $4.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $75 - $140 · $3.50 - $7.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $350 - $625 · $7.00 - $16.00 /mi
Cost levelHigher - Washington D.C.
- Ambulatory
- $50 - $85 · $3.00 - $5.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $90 - $150 · $4.00 - $8.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $400 - $700 · $8.00 - $18.00 /mi
Cost levelHigher - Hawaii
- Ambulatory
- $50 - $90 · $3.00 - $5.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $90 - $155 · $4.50 - $8.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $425 - $725 · $9.00 - $20.00 /mi
Cost levelHigher - Maryland
- Ambulatory
- $45 - $75 · $2.50 - $4.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $80 - $140 · $3.50 - $7.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $375 - $625 · $7.00 - $16.00 /mi
Cost levelHigher - Colorado
- Ambulatory
- $45 - $75 · $2.50 - $4.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $75 - $135 · $3.50 - $6.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $350 - $600 · $6.00 - $15.00 /mi
Cost levelHigher - IllinoisWe serve
- Ambulatory
- $30 - $60 · $3.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $40 - $70 · $3.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $350 - $400 · $6.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Texas
- Ambulatory
- $35 - $65 · $2.00 - $3.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $65 - $115 · $3.00 - $5.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $300 - $525 · $5.00 - $12.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Florida
- Ambulatory
- $30 - $60 · $2.00 - $3.65 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $65 - $110 · $3.00 - $5.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $285 - $475 · $5.00 - $12.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Pennsylvania
- Ambulatory
- $35 - $65 · $2.00 - $4.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $70 - $120 · $3.00 - $6.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $325 - $550 · $5.50 - $14.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Ohio
- Ambulatory
- $30 - $55 · $1.75 - $3.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $60 - $105 · $2.50 - $5.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $285 - $500 · $5.00 - $12.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Georgia
- Ambulatory
- $35 - $60 · $2.00 - $3.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $65 - $115 · $3.00 - $5.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $300 - $525 · $5.00 - $12.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Michigan
- Ambulatory
- $30 - $60 · $2.00 - $3.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $65 - $110 · $3.00 - $5.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $295 - $510 · $5.00 - $12.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - IndianaWe serve
- Ambulatory
- $30 - $60 · $3.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $40 - $70 · $3.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $350 - $400 · $6.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Virginia
- Ambulatory
- $35 - $65 · $2.00 - $4.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $70 - $120 · $3.00 - $6.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $325 - $550 · $5.50 - $14.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Minnesota
- Ambulatory
- $30 - $60 · $2.00 - $3.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $65 - $110 · $3.00 - $5.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $300 - $510 · $5.00 - $12.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Wisconsin
- Ambulatory
- $30 - $55 · $2.00 - $3.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $60 - $105 · $2.50 - $5.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $290 - $500 · $5.00 - $12.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - North Carolina
- Ambulatory
- $30 - $60 · $2.00 - $3.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $65 - $110 · $3.00 - $5.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $295 - $510 · $5.00 - $12.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - South Carolina
- Ambulatory
- $30 - $55 · $1.75 - $3.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $60 - $100 · $2.50 - $5.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $275 - $490 · $5.00 - $10.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Arizona
- Ambulatory
- $35 - $60 · $2.00 - $3.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $65 - $115 · $3.00 - $5.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $300 - $525 · $5.00 - $12.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Nevada
- Ambulatory
- $35 - $65 · $2.00 - $4.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $70 - $120 · $3.00 - $6.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $325 - $550 · $5.50 - $14.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Oregon
- Ambulatory
- $35 - $70 · $2.00 - $4.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $70 - $125 · $3.00 - $6.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $330 - $565 · $5.50 - $14.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Tennessee
- Ambulatory
- $30 - $55 · $1.75 - $3.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $60 - $100 · $2.50 - $5.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $275 - $490 · $5.00 - $10.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Missouri
- Ambulatory
- $30 - $55 · $1.75 - $3.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $60 - $100 · $2.50 - $5.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $275 - $490 · $5.00 - $10.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Kentucky
- Ambulatory
- $25 - $55 · $1.75 - $3.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $55 - $100 · $2.50 - $5.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $270 - $475 · $5.00 - $10.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Louisiana
- Ambulatory
- $30 - $55 · $1.75 - $3.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $60 - $100 · $2.50 - $5.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $275 - $490 · $5.00 - $10.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Oklahoma
- Ambulatory
- $25 - $50 · $1.50 - $3.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $55 - $95 · $2.50 - $4.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $260 - $450 · $4.50 - $10.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Iowa
- Ambulatory
- $25 - $55 · $1.75 - $3.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $55 - $100 · $2.50 - $5.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $270 - $475 · $5.00 - $10.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Kansas
- Ambulatory
- $25 - $50 · $1.50 - $3.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $55 - $95 · $2.50 - $4.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $260 - $450 · $4.50 - $10.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Nebraska
- Ambulatory
- $25 - $50 · $1.50 - $3.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $55 - $95 · $2.50 - $4.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $260 - $450 · $4.50 - $10.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - New Mexico
- Ambulatory
- $30 - $55 · $1.75 - $3.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $60 - $100 · $2.50 - $5.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $275 - $490 · $5.00 - $10.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Utah
- Ambulatory
- $30 - $60 · $2.00 - $3.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $60 - $105 · $2.50 - $5.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $290 - $510 · $5.00 - $12.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Delaware
- Ambulatory
- $35 - $65 · $2.00 - $4.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $70 - $115 · $3.00 - $6.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $315 - $540 · $5.50 - $14.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - New Hampshire
- Ambulatory
- $35 - $70 · $2.00 - $4.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $70 - $120 · $3.00 - $6.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $330 - $560 · $5.50 - $14.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Rhode Island
- Ambulatory
- $35 - $70 · $2.00 - $4.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $70 - $120 · $3.00 - $6.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $325 - $555 · $5.50 - $14.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Vermont
- Ambulatory
- $30 - $60 · $2.00 - $3.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $65 - $115 · $3.00 - $5.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $300 - $525 · $5.00 - $12.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Maine
- Ambulatory
- $30 - $60 · $2.00 - $3.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $65 - $110 · $3.00 - $5.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $295 - $510 · $5.00 - $12.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Idaho
- Ambulatory
- $25 - $50 · $1.75 - $3.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $55 - $95 · $2.50 - $5.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $260 - $450 · $5.00 - $10.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Montana
- Ambulatory
- $25 - $50 · $1.75 - $3.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $55 - $100 · $2.50 - $5.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $270 - $475 · $5.00 - $10.00 /mi
Cost levelAverage - Alabama
- Ambulatory
- $25 - $45 · $1.50 - $3.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $50 - $85 · $2.00 - $4.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $225 - $400 · $3.50 - $8.00 /mi
Cost levelLower - Mississippi
- Ambulatory
- $20 - $45 · $1.50 - $2.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $50 - $80 · $2.00 - $4.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $215 - $380 · $3.00 - $7.00 /mi
Cost levelLower - Wyoming
- Ambulatory
- $25 - $45 · $1.50 - $3.00 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $50 - $90 · $2.00 - $4.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $230 - $400 · $3.50 - $8.00 /mi
Cost levelLower - North Dakota
- Ambulatory
- $20 - $45 · $1.50 - $2.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $50 - $80 · $2.00 - $4.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $215 - $375 · $3.00 - $7.00 /mi
Cost levelLower - South Dakota
- Ambulatory
- $20 - $45 · $1.50 - $2.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $50 - $80 · $2.00 - $4.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $215 - $375 · $3.00 - $7.00 /mi
Cost levelLower - Arkansas
- Ambulatory
- $20 - $45 · $1.50 - $2.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $50 - $80 · $2.00 - $4.00 /mi
- Stretcher
- $220 - $385 · $3.00 - $7.00 /mi
Cost levelLower - West Virginia
- Ambulatory
- $25 - $45 · $1.50 - $2.50 /mi
- Wheelchair
- $50 - $85 · $2.00 - $4.50 /mi
- Stretcher
- $230 - $400 · $3.50 - $8.00 /mi
Cost levelLower
Showing 51 of 51 states. Rates are estimated private pay ranges and may not reflect current provider pricing.
Cost by distance
How Much Does a Typical NEMT Trip Cost?
Most NEMT providers charge a base rate plus per-mile fees. Here is what you can expect to pay based on trip distance and service type.
Local
Under 12 miles
- Ambulatory
- $35 - $75
- Wheelchair
- $65 - $130
- Stretcher
- $225 - $400
Extended Area
12 - 30 miles
- Ambulatory
- $60 - $150
- Wheelchair
- $100 - $225
- Stretcher
- $300 - $550
Long Distance
30+ miles
- Ambulatory
- $125 - $400+
- Wheelchair
- $200 - $500+
- Stretcher
- $450 - $1,200+
Prices include estimated base rate and mileage. Surcharges for stairs, oxygen, after-hours, weekends, and holidays are additional.
Pricing Outside Primary Coverage Area: Rates shown reflect trips within our primary service zone. Trips outside the primary coverage area may be subject to additional fees including extended area mileage charges, long-distance surcharges, and deadhead (return-to-base) fees. Contact us for an exact quote.
Service levels
Service Levels by Transport Type
Each transport type offers different levels of patient assistance. The service level you choose affects pricing based on the amount of hands-on support required.
Industry ranges from published rate cards. Dream Care Rides prices are on our rates page.
- AMB
Ambulatory
For patients who can walk but may need assistance.
Curb-to-Curb
BaselineDriver stays with the vehicle. Patient walks to and from the curb independently.
Included in base rate
Door-to-Door
+$5 - $15Driver assists the patient between the vehicle and the building entrance. Includes help with steps and walkways.
Most common ambulatory service level
Hand-to-Hand
+$15 - $25Driver physically escorts the patient from one caregiver to another — from the home aide to the facility receptionist, for example.
Best for patients who should not be left unattended
- WCH
Wheelchair
For patients who use a wheelchair and need an accessible vehicle.
Curb-to-Curb
BaselineDriver loads and secures the wheelchair in the vehicle. Patient is picked up and dropped off at the curb.
Included in base rate
Door-to-Door
+$5 - $15Driver wheels the patient between the vehicle and the building entrance via ramp or lift. Includes navigating sidewalks and curb cuts.
Most common wheelchair service level
Door-Through-Door
+$15 - $30Driver escorts the wheelchair patient inside the facility to the reception area or waiting room. Includes check-in assistance.
Recommended for elderly or mobility-limited patients
- STR
Stretcher
For patients who must remain lying down during transport.
Room-to-Room
BaselineTwo-person crew transports the stretcher patient between rooms at origin and destination. Standard ground-level facility transfers.
Included in stretcher base rate
Door-Through-Door
+$15 - $30Crew navigates the stretcher through doorways, stairs, and narrow passages into the facility. Required when stairs or difficult access points are involved.
Required when stairs or tight access are involved
Bed-to-Bed
+$25 - $50Full transfer from the patient's bed at origin to the bed at destination. Requires a trained two-person crew for safe patient lifting and repositioning.
Common for hospital discharges and facility transfers
Tip: Choose the service level that matches the patient's actual mobility needs. Booking a higher level than necessary adds cost, while booking too low can create safety risks. When in doubt, consult with the patient's care team.
Trip types
Trip Types & How They're Priced
How your trip is structured, how pickup is scheduled, and whether it's a one-time booking or recurring subscription all affect your total cost.
Trip Types
How the route is structured from pickup to drop-off.
One-Way
Standard single-direction trip from pickup to destination. Most common for hospital discharges, facility transfers, and one-time appointments.
Standard rateBase fare + per-mile + add-onsRound-Trip
Pickup to destination plus return to origin. Each leg is priced at the standard rate. Booking both legs together ensures vehicle availability for your return.
Priced per leg at standard ratesBook both legs together for easier schedulingMulti-Stop
Trip includes one or more intermediate stops (pharmacy, lab work, second facility). Each additional stop adds a flat fee and any extra mileage.
+$15 - $35 per extra stopMileage between stops is charged at the per-mile rate
Pickup Options
How the pickup and return are coordinated.
Scheduled Pickup
Trip is booked in advance for a specific date and time. Driver arrives at the confirmed pickup window. Best for planned appointments.
Standard rateBook 24+ hours ahead for best availabilityWait and Return
Driver transports you, waits during your appointment, then drives you back. Wait time fees apply beyond the grace period.
Round-trip rate + wait time feeBest for short appointments (under 2 hours)Will Call
Return pickup is requested by the patient or facility when ready — no fixed return time. The driver arrives within 1 hour of your call. The latest time to call is 5:00 PM.
Standard rate + possible waitIdeal when appointment length is unpredictable
Booking Type
One-time rides vs. ongoing scheduled transportation.
Single Trip
A one-time booking for a specific date. Ideal for occasional appointments, hospital discharges, or facility transfers.
Standard rateNo commitment requiredSubscription
Standing schedule for recurring medical appointments — dialysis (3x/week), physical therapy (2-5x/week), or regular specialist visits. Volume pricing applies.
10 - 20% per-trip discountBiggest savings for patients with ongoing transportation needs
What drives the price
Why Does NEMT Cost More Than a Regular Ride?
Specialized Vehicles
Wheelchair-accessible vans cost $60,000 - $96,000 new. Stretcher vans run $145,000 - $225,000. Each vehicle requires hydraulic lifts, ramps, and tie-down systems.
Commercial Insurance
NEMT providers pay $8,000 - $20,000+ per vehicle per year in commercial auto, general liability, workers compensation, and SAM (Sexual Abuse & Molestation) coverage. Vulnerable passengers mean higher claim severity.
Trained Drivers
Every driver needs background checks, drug testing, CPR/First Aid, defensive driving, ADA compliance, and wheelchair securement certification. Driver wages make up 40 - 45% of total revenue.
Regulatory Compliance
State NEMT licensing, DOT vehicle inspections, HIPAA compliance, ADA vehicle certifications, and GPS tracking systems all add overhead to every trip.
Fuel & Vehicle Maintenance
Wheelchair vans and stretcher vehicles average 8 - 14 MPG. Add preventive maintenance, lift servicing, and DOT-mandated inspections — fuel and upkeep cost $800 - $1,500+ per vehicle per month.
Dispatch & Technology
Real-time GPS tracking, automated dispatch software, electronic trip verification, and HIPAA-compliant scheduling systems are required to run a compliant NEMT operation.
These costs mean over $70 is already spoken for on a typical $90 wheelchair trip before the driver navigates a single ramp.
Read our full cost breakdownSurcharges and fees
Common NEMT Surcharges & Additional Fees
Beyond base rates and mileage, most NEMT providers charge extra for these services. Ask your provider for their specific fee schedule.
Industry ranges from published rate cards. Dream Care Rides prices are on our rates page.
After-Hours / Evening
$10 - $25
Trips before 7 AM or after 6 PM
Weekend Service
25% - 50% surcharge
Saturday and Sunday trips
Holiday Service
50% - 100% surcharge
Federal holidays
Stair Assistance
$25 - $50
Per flight of stairs navigated
Oxygen Equipment
$25 - $40
Portable O2 setup and monitoring
Bariatric (300+ lbs)
$30 - $100+
Specialized equipment, possible extra crew
Deadhead Miles
$1.50 - $4.00 / mile
Empty miles the vehicle travels to reach your pickup location
Extended Area Fee
$25 - $75
Pickups outside the provider's primary service zone
Additional Passenger
$10 - $25
Companion or escort
Wait Time Fees by Service Type
Wait time begins after the grace period. Stretcher wait time is significantly higher because a two-person crew (driver + attendant) is on standby.
- Ambulatory
- Grace Period
- 10 - 15 min
- Per 15 Min
- $8 - $12
- Per 30 Min
- $15 - $25
- Per 60 Min
- $30 - $50
- Wheelchair
- Grace Period
- 10 - 15 min
- Per 15 Min
- $10 - $18
- Per 30 Min
- $20 - $35
- Per 60 Min
- $40 - $70
- Stretcher
- Grace Period
- 10 - 15 min
- Per 15 Min
- $15 - $25
- Per 30 Min
- $30 - $50
- Per 60 Min
- $60 - $100
Wait time is billed in 15-minute increments after the grace period expires. Stretcher rates include the cost of both driver and attendant on standby.
Surcharges vary by provider and region. The ranges above are based on published rate cards and industry data from 2024-2026.
Questions
NEMT cost by state: common questions
Yes. Cost of living, vehicle insurance, state regulation and local competition all move the price. A wheelchair trip that costs about $85 in a rural area can run $150 or more in a large metro such as New York or San Francisco. The table on this page shows estimated private pay ranges for every state.
No. They are industry estimates from published provider rate cards and industry data (2024–2026). Dream Care Rides serves Illinois and Northwest Indiana, where each one-way leg is priced at a base rate plus mileage: ambulatory $30–$60 base plus $3.00 per mile after the first 3 miles; wheelchair $40–$70 base plus $3.50 per mile after the first 3 miles; stretcher $350–$400 base plus $6.00 per mile after the first 5 miles. Call (708) 505-6994 or book online for your exact price.
A stretcher ride needs a stretcher van, medical-grade equipment and a crew trained for lifts and transfers, and it carries higher insurance costs. Across the industry, stretcher base rates run several times the ambulatory rate.
States with high living and insurance costs, such as New York, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Hawaii, sit at the top of the range. Rural states in the South and the Plains tend to be lowest. Use the Cost Level column in the table to compare.
Every state Medicaid program includes a non-emergency medical transportation benefit for eligible members, but each state runs it differently, often through a broker. With Dream Care Rides, Medicaid accepted in select service areas — call (708) 505-6994 to check availability.
Book online: the booking form adds the mileage for your route and any surcharges, and shows the full price before anything is charged. Or call (708) 505-6994 and we will quote it for you.
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