NEMT in Illinois: Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services Across IL

Dream Care Rides provides professional non-emergency medical transportation across Illinois, covering the Chicago metropolitan area, suburbs, and surrounding regions. Ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher services available 24/7.

Published: Jun 10, 2025Updated: Jun 10, 202518 min read

NEMT in Illinois: Overview

Illinois is home to nearly 13 million residents, and the greater Chicago metropolitan area alone accounts for approximately 9.5 million people. Access to reliable medical transportation is a critical need across the state, particularly for seniors, patients with chronic conditions, wheelchair users, and individuals recovering from surgery or hospitalization.

Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in Illinois bridges the gap between patients who need to reach medical appointments and the healthcare facilities that serve them. Research from the American Hospital Association estimates that millions of Americans miss medical appointments each year due to transportation barriers, leading to delayed diagnoses, worsening chronic conditions, and preventable hospitalizations.

Dream Care Rides operates across Illinois with a fleet of ambulatory sedans, ADA-compliant wheelchair vans, and stretcher vehicles. We serve patients traveling to dialysis centers, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, specialty clinics, and medical offices throughout the state. Our service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Illinois Service at a Glance

Coverage: 60+ cities across northeastern Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area
Vehicle Types: Ambulatory (sedan/SUV), wheelchair van, stretcher/gurney
Hours: 24/7/365
Service Levels: Curb-to-curb, door-to-door, door-through-door, bed-to-bed, room-to-room
Phone: (708) 505-6994

Whether you need a single ride to a medical appointment, a recurring dialysis transportation schedule, or a hospital discharge ride home with stretcher support, Dream Care Rides has the vehicles, trained drivers, and infrastructure to serve patients across Illinois safely and reliably.

Coverage Areas in Illinois

Dream Care Rides maintains active service coverage across more than 60 cities in Illinois. Our primary service area is concentrated in the Chicago metropolitan region, spanning Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, Kane County, Lake County, and McHenry County. We also provide long-distance medical transportation for patients who need to travel farther within the state or across state lines.

Below are the major regions and cities we serve. Click any city name to view its dedicated coverage area page with local service details.

North & Northwest Suburbs

Schaumburg, IL Palatine, IL Arlington Heights, IL Glenview, IL Hoffman Estates, IL Mount Prospect, IL Crystal Lake, IL Waukegan, IL Elgin, IL

West & DuPage County

Naperville, IL Aurora, IL Wheaton, IL Lombard, IL Downers Grove, IL Elmhurst, IL St. Charles, IL Bolingbrook, IL

Complete Illinois City Coverage List

Don't see your city? Call (708) 505-6994 to check coverage for your specific location.

Dream Care Rides also provides cross-state medical transportation for patients traveling between Illinois and Indiana, as well as long-distance NEMT for patients visiting specialty hospitals or treatment centers in other states.

Service Types Available in Illinois

Dream Care Rides operates three primary vehicle types across Illinois, each designed for different patient mobility levels. All vehicles are commercially insured, ADA-compliant where applicable, and operated by trained, background-checked drivers.

Ambulatory Transportation (Sedans & SUVs)

For patients who can walk independently or with minimal assistance. Comfortable sedans and SUVs with professional drivers who provide meet-and-greet service, assistance with personal items, and escort to the destination entrance. Ideal for routine medical appointments, dialysis sessions, outpatient procedures, and follow-up visits.

Ambulatory transport is the most commonly requested service type across Illinois, especially in dense urban areas like Chicago where parking and navigation present challenges for patients.

Learn more about ambulatory transport

Wheelchair Transportation (ADA-Compliant Vans)

For patients who use wheelchairs or have significant mobility limitations. Our wheelchair-accessible vehicles are equipped with hydraulic lifts or ramps and certified tie-down systems that meet ADA and DOT standards. Available in standard, XL, and bariatric configurations.

Wheelchair transport is in high demand across Chicago and suburban Illinois, particularly for patients traveling to rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, and dialysis clinics.

Learn more about wheelchair transport

Stretcher Transportation (Gurney Vehicles)

For patients who must remain in a reclined or lying-down position during transit. Stretcher vehicles carry medical-grade equipment and are staffed by trained attendants. Dream Care Rides offers both the conventional gurney and the Broda Traversa chair with adjustable tilt-and-recline positioning and Comfort Tension Seating for pressure relief.

Stretcher transport across Illinois is commonly used for hospital discharges, facility-to-facility transfers, long-distance medical trips, and patients with conditions that prevent seated travel.

Learn more about stretcher transport

Service Levels

All three vehicle types are available with multiple levels of hands-on assistance, from basic curbside pickup to full room-to-room escort within medical facilities.

Service Level	What It Includes
Curb-to-Curb	Driver picks up and drops off at the curb. Patient walks to and from the vehicle independently.
Door-to-Door	Driver walks the patient between the building entrance and the vehicle. Includes help with bags and personal items.
Door-through-Door	Driver escorts the patient through hallways, elevators, and stairs inside a building to the specific department or check-in area.
Bed-to-Bed	Attendant assists from bed at the origin facility to bed at the destination. Common for hospital and SNF transfers.
Room-to-Room	Full escort from the specific room at origin to the designated room at destination. Highest level of hands-on assistance.

Common Trip Types in Illinois

Dialysis Transportation

Recurring rides to dialysis centers 2-5 times per week. Dedicated drivers, standing schedules, and flexible pickup windows for treatment-related delays.

Hospital Discharge Rides

Safe transport home after a hospital stay. Wheelchair and stretcher options available. Door-through-door and bed-to-bed assistance included.

Physical Therapy & Rehab

Regular transportation to rehabilitation sessions, physical therapy appointments, and occupational therapy centers across IL.

Specialist & Oncology Visits

Rides to specialty clinics, cancer treatment centers, and outpatient procedures. Includes chemotherapy, radiation, and follow-up appointments.

Facility Transfers

Hospital-to-SNF, SNF-to-rehab, and facility-to-facility transfers with stretcher or wheelchair support. Room-to-room service available.

Long-Distance Medical Trips

Cross-city and cross-state medical transportation for patients traveling to specialty hospitals or treatment centers outside their local area.

Medicaid NEMT in Illinois

Illinois Medicaid includes non-emergency medical transportation as a covered benefit for eligible beneficiaries. The program is administered by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and delivered through the state's managed care system.

Most Illinois Medicaid recipients are enrolled in a managed care organization (MCO) that coordinates their NEMT benefits. The major MCOs operating in Illinois include Meridian Health Plan, Molina Healthcare, IlliniCare Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield Community Health Plan, and CountyCare (Cook County). Each MCO contracts with NEMT providers or transportation brokers to arrange rides for their members.

How Illinois Medicaid NEMT Works

Check eligibility: Verify that you are enrolled in Illinois Medicaid and that your managed care plan includes NEMT benefits for the type of appointment you need.
Contact your MCO: Call the member services number on your Medicaid card to request transportation. Your MCO will verify the medical necessity and authorize the trip.
Schedule in advance: Most MCOs require 48 to 72 hours advance notice for NEMT scheduling. Provide your appointment date, time, pickup address, and destination.
Ride coordination: Your MCO assigns a contracted NEMT provider to fulfill the trip. You receive confirmation details including the provider name and expected pickup time.
Day of transport: The assigned driver arrives at the scheduled time and transports you to and from your medical appointment.

Private Pay Option in Illinois

Many patients in Illinois choose private pay NEMT for several reasons: shorter booking windows, guaranteed vehicle availability, choice of provider, premium vehicle quality, and the ability to schedule same-day or next-day rides without going through the MCO authorization process.

Dream Care Rides operates on a transparent private pay model with itemized quotes and no hidden fees. Patients, families, and healthcare facilities can book directly with us for immediate scheduling flexibility and premium service quality. View our current rates or book online.

Get a Free Quote for Illinois NEMT

Tell us your pickup location, destination, and service needs. Receive a transparent, itemized quote within minutes. No obligations.

Get Your Quote (708) 505-6994

How to Book NEMT in Illinois

Booking non-emergency medical transportation with Dream Care Rides in Illinois is straightforward. We offer multiple booking channels to accommodate patients, family members, caregivers, and healthcare facility coordinators.

Choose Your Booking Method

Book online at dreamcarerides.com/booking for the fastest experience, or call our dispatch team at (708) 505-6994 to speak with a live representative. Healthcare facilities can also book through our facility coordination line.

Provide Trip Details

Enter your pickup address, destination address, appointment date and time, and the type of service you need (ambulatory, wheelchair, or stretcher). Include any special requirements such as oxygen during transit, stair assistance, or bariatric capacity.

Select Your Service Level

Choose the appropriate level of assistance: curb-to-curb, door-to-door, door-through-door, bed-to-bed, or room-to-room. If you are unsure which level is right, our team will help you determine the best fit based on your mobility needs.

Review Your Quote

Receive a transparent, itemized quote showing the base fare, mileage rate, and any additional charges. There are no hidden fees. Confirm your booking once you are satisfied with the pricing.

Ride Day

Your assigned driver arrives at the scheduled time. You receive proactive text updates and a real-time tracking link. The driver provides hands-on assistance at the service level you selected and ensures a safe, comfortable trip.

Booking Tips for Illinois Patients

Book 48-72 hours in advance for standard service, especially wheelchair and stretcher transport
For recurring rides (dialysis, therapy), set up a standing schedule for consistent driver assignment
Same-day bookings may be available based on fleet capacity; call (708) 505-6994 to check
For hospital discharges, the facility discharge planner can coordinate directly with our team
Will-call return trips are available -- call us when your appointment is done and we dispatch a driver

Why Choose Dream Care Rides for Illinois NEMT

Dream Care Rides is a trusted non-emergency medical transportation provider serving Illinois with a commitment to safety, reliability, and compassionate patient care. Here is what sets us apart.

Extensive Illinois Coverage

We serve 60+ cities across Illinois, from the city of Chicago through Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, Kane County, Lake County, and McHenry County. Our coverage extends to long-distance medical trips across the state.

Full Fleet: Ambulatory, Wheelchair & Stretcher

We operate our own fleet of commercially insured vehicles -- not brokered. Ambulatory sedans, ADA-compliant wheelchair vans with hydraulic lifts, and stretcher vehicles with conventional gurneys and the Broda Traversa chair.

Trained, Background-Checked Drivers

Every driver is background-checked, CPR-certified, and trained in patient assistance, wheelchair securement, and HIPAA compliance. We provide ongoing training to maintain the highest standards of patient care.

24/7/365 Availability

Medical transportation needs do not follow business hours. We operate around the clock, including early morning dialysis pickups, late-night hospital discharges, weekends, and holidays.

D.R.E.A.M. Proven Process

Every ride follows our structured D.R.E.A.M. process: Discovery (intake), Reservation (booking), Experience (the ride), Assurance (communication), and Monitor (closeout). This framework ensures consistency and quality on every trip.

Proactive Communication & Tracking

Patients and families receive booking confirmations, driver en-route notifications, and real-time GPS tracking links. You always know where your ride is and when it will arrive.

Transparent Pricing

Itemized quotes with no hidden fees. Base fare, mileage rate, and extras are clearly listed before you confirm your booking. No surprises.

Facility Partnerships

We work with hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, dialysis centers, and rehabilitation centers across Illinois to coordinate patient transportation and reduce no-show rates.

Healthcare facilities interested in partnering with Dream Care Rides can visit our facility partnerships page to learn about coordination options and volume pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions About NEMT in Illinois

Yes. Illinois Medicaid provides NEMT as a covered benefit for eligible beneficiaries who need transportation to and from medical appointments. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) administers the Medicaid program, and NEMT is coordinated through managed care organizations (MCOs) such as Meridian, Molina, IlliniCare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Community Health Plan. Eligible patients can receive ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher transportation to covered medical services.

Dream Care Rides provides comprehensive coverage across the entire Chicago metropolitan area. This includes the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs in Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, Kane County, Lake County, and McHenry County. Specific cities include Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Schaumburg, Evanston, Oak Park, Arlington Heights, Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Skokie, Des Plaines, Palatine, and many more. Check our coverage area page for a complete list of service locations.

Dream Care Rides is headquartered in the Chicago metropolitan area and provides primary service coverage across northeastern Illinois and the surrounding suburbs. For long-distance medical transportation needs, including trips to and from downstate locations such as Springfield, Champaign-Urbana, Bloomington, or Peoria, please contact our dispatch team at (708) 505-6994 to discuss your specific route and scheduling requirements.

To schedule a wheelchair-accessible ride, book online through our website at dreamcarerides.com/booking or call (708) 505-6994. During booking, select 'wheelchair transportation' as your service type. Specify whether you need a standard wheelchair van, XL configuration, or bariatric-capacity vehicle. Our fleet of ADA-compliant wheelchair-accessible vehicles is equipped with hydraulic lifts and certified tie-down systems. We recommend booking 48 to 72 hours in advance for standard service.

Yes. Dream Care Rides operates stretcher (gurney) transport vehicles across Illinois for patients who must travel in a reclined or lying-down position. Our stretcher fleet includes both conventional gurney vehicles and vehicles equipped with the Broda Traversa chair, which features adjustable tilt-and-recline positioning and Comfort Tension Seating for pressure relief. Stretcher transport is commonly used for hospital discharges, facility-to-facility transfers, and patients with limited mobility.

Dream Care Rides covers the areas surrounding both major Chicago airports. For O'Hare International Airport, we serve Des Plaines, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Palatine, and surrounding communities. For Midway International Airport, we cover Burbank, Oak Lawn, Bridgeview, Justice, Evergreen Park, and neighboring suburbs. Note that our service is medical transportation, not airport shuttle service. We transport patients to medical facilities and appointments.

Yes. Dream Care Rides specializes in recurring medical transportation for patients with ongoing treatment schedules. This includes dialysis patients who need transport two to five times per week, physical therapy and rehabilitation patients, chemotherapy patients, and wound care patients. We assign dedicated drivers to recurring routes so patients see familiar faces and benefit from consistent, reliable service. Contact us to set up a standing schedule.

Yes. Dream Care Rides operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year across Illinois. Early morning dialysis pickups, late-night hospital discharges, weekend appointments, and holiday transport are all available. We recommend advance booking for the best availability, though same-day service may be available depending on fleet capacity.

NEMT pricing in Illinois depends on several factors: the distance between pickup and destination, the vehicle type (ambulatory sedan, wheelchair van, or stretcher vehicle), the service level (curb-to-curb through room-to-room), and any special equipment needs. Dream Care Rides provides transparent, itemized quotes before you confirm your booking. There are no hidden fees. Visit our rates page or call (708) 505-6994 for a personalized quote.

Beyond the city of Chicago, Dream Care Rides serves more than 50 cities across Illinois. Major service areas include Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Elgin, Waukegan, Cicero, Schaumburg, Palatine, Skokie, Des Plaines, Berwyn, Evanston, Oak Park, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Arlington Heights, Bolingbrook, Palos Hills, Wheaton, Lombard, Downers Grove, Glenview, Elmhurst, Calumet City, Lansing, Harvey, Maywood, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Crystal Lake, St. Charles, Niles, Homewood, Matteson, New Lenox, Mokena, Frankfort, and more.

Book Your Illinois NEMT Ride Today

Professional, compassionate non-emergency medical transportation across Illinois. Book online in minutes or call our team for immediate assistance.

Book a Ride (708) 505-6994