NEMT in Indiana: Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services Across IN

Dream Care Rides provides professional non-emergency medical transportation across Indiana, with primary coverage in Northwest Indiana and the South Bend area. Ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher services available 24/7.

Published: Jun 10, 2025Updated: Jun 10, 202516 min read

NEMT in Indiana: Overview

Indiana is home to approximately 6.8 million residents, and access to reliable medical transportation is a critical need across the state. Northwest Indiana, which borders the Chicago metropolitan area, is one of the most densely populated regions in the state and has a significant demand for non-emergency medical transportation services.

Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in Indiana connects patients who face mobility challenges, lack personal vehicles, or cannot safely drive themselves with the healthcare facilities they need to reach. This includes dialysis centers, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, specialty clinics, and primary care offices. Without reliable NEMT, patients miss appointments, delay treatment, and experience worsening health outcomes.

Dream Care Rides serves Indiana with a fleet of ambulatory sedans, ADA-compliant wheelchair vans, and stretcher vehicles. Our primary Indiana coverage area includes Northwest Indiana (Lake County, Porter County, and LaPorte County) and the South Bend area (St. Joseph County). We also provide cross-state medical transportation for Indiana patients traveling to Chicago-area hospitals and specialty centers.

Indiana Service at a Glance

Coverage: 11+ cities across Indiana, concentrated in NW Indiana and South Bend
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
Cross-State: Indiana to Illinois medical transportation available
Phone: (708) 505-6994

Whether you need a single ride to a medical appointment in Hammond, a recurring dialysis schedule in Gary, a hospital discharge ride from a South Bend facility, or a cross-state trip to a Chicago specialty hospital, Dream Care Rides provides safe, reliable, professional transportation with trained drivers and properly equipped vehicles.

Coverage Areas in Indiana

Dream Care Rides provides active non-emergency medical transportation service across multiple regions in Indiana. Our primary service area is concentrated in Northwest Indiana due to its proximity to our Chicago-area headquarters and the high demand for medical transportation in the region. We also serve the South Bend area for patients who need local and long-distance medical transport.

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

Lake County (NW Indiana Core)

The heart of our Indiana service area, bordering the Illinois state line and the Chicago metropolitan area. Lake County is home to the largest concentration of our Indiana patients.

Hammond, IN Gary, IN East Chicago, IN Highland, IN Munster, IN Merrillville, IN Schererville, IN Dyer, IN Crown Point, IN

Porter County & LaPorte County

Eastern extension of our Northwest Indiana coverage, including communities along the I-94 and US-30 corridors.

Valparaiso, IN

St. Joseph County

Extended service area covering South Bend and surrounding communities in north-central Indiana.

South Bend, IN

Complete Indiana City Coverage List

Hammond, IN Gary, IN Highland, IN South Bend, IN East Chicago, IN Munster, IN Dyer, IN Schererville, IN Crown Point, IN Valparaiso, IN Merrillville, IN

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

Cross-State Transportation: Indiana to Illinois

Many Indiana patients, especially those in Northwest Indiana, travel to Chicago-area hospitals and specialty centers for treatment. Dream Care Rides provides cross-state medical transportation between Indiana and Illinois for medical appointments, hospital discharges, facility transfers, and specialty visits. We cover routes between NW Indiana cities (Hammond, Gary, Highland, Munster, etc.) and Chicago-area facilities including Rush University Medical Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, University of Chicago Medical Center, Loyola University Medical Center, and Advocate Christ Medical Center.

View our full coverage area page for a complete list of service locations across both Indiana and Illinois.

Service Types Available in Indiana

Dream Care Rides operates three primary vehicle types across Indiana, matching each patient with the right vehicle and service level for their mobility needs. 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, outpatient procedures, and follow-up visits throughout Indiana.

Ambulatory transport is the most commonly booked service type for Indiana patients, particularly for those traveling from NW Indiana to Chicago-area medical facilities where navigating unfamiliar hospital campuses can be challenging.

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 serves Indiana patients traveling to rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, dialysis clinics, and hospitals across the state and into Illinois. Our drivers are certified in wheelchair securement and provide hands-on assistance throughout the trip.

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 in Indiana is commonly used for hospital discharges, facility-to-facility transfers (including cross-state transfers to IL facilities), and patients with conditions that prevent seated travel. This is our highest tier of service and includes trained attendants on every trip.

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 Indiana

Dialysis Transportation

Recurring rides to dialysis centers 2-5 times per week across NW Indiana and the South Bend area. Standing schedules with dedicated drivers for consistency.

Cross-State Medical Trips

Indiana-to-Illinois transportation for patients visiting Chicago hospitals and specialty centers. One of our most requested service types for NW Indiana patients.

Hospital Discharge Rides

Safe transport home from Indiana hospitals with wheelchair and stretcher options. Door-through-door and bed-to-bed assistance included for safe patient handoff.

Physical Therapy & Rehab

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

Facility Transfers

Hospital-to-SNF, SNF-to-rehab, and facility-to-facility transfers within Indiana and across state lines. Room-to-room service available for complex transfers.

Specialist & Oncology Visits

Rides to specialty clinics, cancer treatment centers, and outpatient procedures. Many Indiana patients travel to Chicago for specialized oncology care.

Medicaid NEMT in Indiana

Indiana Medicaid includes non-emergency medical transportation as a covered benefit for eligible beneficiaries. The program is administered by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) and delivered primarily through the state's managed care system.

Indiana Medicaid recipients are enrolled in managed care entities (MCEs) that coordinate healthcare services including NEMT. The major MCEs operating in Indiana include Anthem, CareSource, Managed Health Services (MHS), MDwise, and United Healthcare Community Plan. Each MCE contracts with NEMT providers or transportation brokers to arrange rides for their members.

How Indiana Medicaid NEMT Works

Verify eligibility: Confirm that you are enrolled in Indiana Medicaid through the FSSA and that your managed care plan includes NEMT benefits for the type of medical service you are attending.
Contact your MCE: Call the member services number on your Indiana Medicaid card. Your MCE will verify the medical necessity of the trip and authorize transportation.
Schedule in advance: Most MCEs require 48 to 72 hours advance notice for NEMT scheduling. Provide the appointment date, time, pickup address, destination, and any special mobility requirements.
Ride coordination: Your MCE assigns a contracted NEMT provider to fulfill the trip. You receive confirmation with 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.

Indiana Medicaid Programs That Include NEMT

Hoosier Healthwise

Indiana's Medicaid managed care program for children, pregnant women, and low-income families. NEMT is a covered benefit coordinated through the member's MCE.

Hoosier Care Connect

Managed care program for aged, blind, and disabled Medicaid beneficiaries. Includes NEMT for medical appointments, dialysis, and therapy.

Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP)

Indiana's Medicaid expansion program for low-income adults. Transportation benefits may vary by plan type and MCE enrollment.

Traditional Medicaid (Fee-for-Service)

A small number of Indiana Medicaid recipients remain in fee-for-service. NEMT is arranged through the state's transportation broker.

Private Pay Option in Indiana

Many patients in Indiana choose private pay NEMT for greater flexibility and premium service. Private pay allows shorter booking windows, guaranteed vehicle availability, choice of provider, and the ability to schedule same-day or next-day rides without the MCE authorization process.

Dream Care Rides operates on a transparent private pay model. You receive an itemized quote before confirming your booking, with base fare, mileage rate, and any extras clearly listed. View our current rates or book online.

Get a Free Quote for Indiana 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 Indiana

Booking non-emergency medical transportation with Dream Care Rides in Indiana follows the same straightforward process as our Illinois service. We offer multiple booking channels for patients, families, caregivers, and 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. Healthcare facilities can coordinate directly through our facility line for bulk or recurring patient transport.

Provide Trip Details

Enter your Indiana pickup address, destination address, appointment date and time, and the type of service you need (ambulatory, wheelchair, or stretcher). For cross-state trips to Illinois, provide the full destination address and we handle the rest.

Select Your Service Level

Choose from curb-to-curb, door-to-door, door-through-door, bed-to-bed, or room-to-room assistance. If you are unsure which level is appropriate, our team will assess your needs and recommend the right fit.

Review Your Quote

Receive a transparent, itemized quote showing the base fare, mileage rate, and any additional charges for special equipment or extended service levels. Confirm once you are satisfied.

Ride Day

Your assigned driver arrives at the scheduled time in Indiana. You receive proactive text updates and a real-time tracking link. The driver provides the level of assistance you selected and ensures safe, comfortable transport to your destination.

Booking Tips for Indiana Patients

Book 48-72 hours in advance for guaranteed availability, especially for wheelchair and stretcher transport
For cross-state trips to IL, allow extra time in your schedule for potential traffic on I-80/94 and I-90
Set up standing schedules for recurring appointments (dialysis, therapy) to get consistent, dedicated drivers
Same-day bookings may be available in NW Indiana; call (708) 505-6994 to check
Hospital discharge coordinators can book directly with Dream Care Rides for seamless patient handoffs
Will-call return trips are available for appointments with unpredictable durations

Why Choose Dream Care Rides for Indiana NEMT

Dream Care Rides is a trusted non-emergency medical transportation provider serving Indiana patients with the same level of care, reliability, and professionalism that defines our Illinois operations. Here is what sets us apart for Indiana residents.

NW Indiana Coverage Strength

Our Indiana service area is anchored in Northwest Indiana -- Hammond, Gary, East Chicago, Highland, Munster, Merrillville, Schererville, Dyer, Crown Point, and Valparaiso. We know these communities, their medical facilities, and the routes that connect them.

Seamless Cross-State Service

Indiana patients frequently travel to Chicago-area hospitals for specialized care. Dream Care Rides handles cross-state trips between Indiana and Illinois as a routine service, with no additional complexity for the patient.

Full Fleet: Ambulatory, Wheelchair & Stretcher

We operate our own fleet of commercially insured vehicles, including 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. Our drivers who serve Indiana routes are familiar with NW Indiana and Chicago-area medical facilities.

24/7/365 Availability

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

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

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

Proactive Communication & Tracking

Booking confirmations, driver en-route notifications, and real-time GPS tracking links for every trip. Patients and families always know where the ride is and when to expect arrival.

Transparent Pricing

Itemized quotes with no hidden fees for Indiana service. Base fare, mileage rate, and extras are clearly listed before booking confirmation. Cross-state pricing is transparent and included in the same quote.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About NEMT in Indiana

Yes. Indiana Medicaid provides NEMT as a covered benefit for eligible beneficiaries. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) oversees the Medicaid program, and NEMT benefits are coordinated through managed care entities (MCEs) such as Anthem, CareSource, Managed Health Services (MHS), MDwise, and United Healthcare. Eligible members can receive transportation to and from covered medical services including doctor visits, dialysis, therapy, and hospital follow-ups.

Dream Care Rides provides comprehensive coverage across Northwest Indiana, including the cities of Hammond, Gary, East Chicago, Highland, Munster, Merrillville, Schererville, Dyer, Crown Point, Valparaiso, Hobart, Griffith, Portage, Michigan City, LaPorte, Lake Station, Lowell, Cedar Lake, and Chesterton. This region is our primary Indiana service area due to its proximity to the Chicago metropolitan area.

Yes. Dream Care Rides provides non-emergency medical transportation in and around South Bend, Indiana. South Bend is part of our extended Indiana service area. We offer ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher transport for patients in South Bend traveling to local medical facilities as well as long-distance trips to Chicago-area hospitals and specialty centers. We recommend booking 48 to 72 hours in advance for South Bend area service.

Yes. Cross-state medical transportation between Indiana and Illinois is one of our most common service types. Many patients in Northwest Indiana travel to Chicago-area hospitals and specialty centers for treatment. We provide ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher transport across the state line for medical appointments, hospital discharges, facility transfers, and specialty visits. Book online or call (708) 505-6994 to schedule a cross-state trip.

To schedule a wheelchair-accessible ride in Indiana, book online at dreamcarerides.com/booking or call (708) 505-6994. Select wheelchair transportation as your service type during booking and specify whether you need a standard wheelchair van, XL configuration, or bariatric-capacity vehicle. Our ADA-compliant vehicles are equipped with hydraulic lifts and certified tie-down systems. We recommend booking 48 to 72 hours in advance.

Yes. Dream Care Rides operates stretcher (gurney) transport vehicles across Indiana 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 provides adjustable tilt-and-recline positioning and Comfort Tension Seating. Stretcher transport is commonly used for hospital discharges, facility transfers, and patients with severe mobility limitations.

The FSSA (Family and Social Services Administration) is the Indiana state agency that oversees Medicaid and other social service programs. FSSA administers Indiana's Medicaid program, which includes NEMT as a covered benefit. NEMT is delivered through managed care entities (MCEs) that contract with transportation providers. If you are an Indiana Medicaid member, contact your MCE (listed on your Medicaid card) to arrange covered medical transportation.

Yes. Dream Care Rides operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year across Indiana. This includes early morning dialysis pickups, late-night hospital discharges, weekend medical appointments, and holiday transport. We recommend advance booking for guaranteed availability, though same-day service may be possible depending on fleet capacity in your area.

NEMT pricing in Indiana depends on 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 booking confirmation. There are no hidden fees. Visit our rates page or call (708) 505-6994 for a personalized quote.

Yes. Dream Care Rides allows one companion, family member, or caregiver to ride along at no additional charge on most trips. This is especially common for elderly patients, pediatric patients, and individuals who feel more comfortable with a familiar person present during medical visits. Let us know when booking so we can assign the appropriate vehicle size.

Book Your Indiana NEMT Ride Today

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

Book a Ride (708) 505-6994