Understanding Your Medical Transportation Options
Whether you use Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, private insurance, or pay out of pocket, this guide explains every service level, every payment path, and every step of the booking process. No jargon, no fine print\u2014just clear answers so you can get to your appointments safely.
What Is NEMT and Who Uses It?
Non-emergency medical transportation\u2014NEMT\u2014is a dedicated transportation service that takes patients to and from medical appointments when they cannot drive themselves and public transit is not safe or practical. It is not an ambulance. Ambulances respond to emergencies: heart attacks, strokes, severe trauma. NEMT handles everything that is medically necessary but not an emergency\u2014dialysis three times a week, chemotherapy sessions, follow-up visits after surgery, physical therapy, wound care, psychiatric appointments, and routine checkups.
It is also not a taxi or rideshare. A standard Uber or Lyft driver is not trained to assist a patient in a wheelchair. They do not carry ramps, hydraulic lifts, or tie-down systems. They are not insured for medical transport. And they will not escort you through a hospital lobby to your doctor's office on the fourth floor. NEMT exists in the space between those two extremes: professional, regulated, patient-focused transportation operated by trained drivers in purpose-built vehicles.
In the United States, an estimated 3.6 million people miss or delay medical appointments every year because they lack reliable transportation. That number is disproportionately high among elderly patients, people with disabilities, rural residents, and low-income communities. Missed appointments lead to delayed diagnoses, worsening chronic conditions, preventable emergency room visits, and higher healthcare costs for everyone. NEMT exists to close that gap.
Who uses it? The range is wide. A 75-year-old widow who no longer drives and needs a ride to her weekly dialysis session. A 45-year-old man recovering from back surgery who cannot sit in a standard vehicle and needs stretcher transport to his follow-up appointment. A family paying for their mother's wheelchair transportation to chemotherapy because her insurance does not cover it. A case manager coordinating discharge transport for a hospital patient who has no family nearby. A skilled nursing facility scheduling recurring rides for 30 residents across three shifts. NEMT serves all of them.
In Illinois, NEMT is regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Commerce Commission. Providers must carry commercial auto insurance, maintain ADA-compliant vehicles, and employ drivers who pass background checks and drug screenings. Dream Care Rides is a licensed, bonded, and insured NEMT provider operating across Chicago, the greater Chicagoland area, and statewide in Illinois and Indiana.
The 6 Service Levels
NEMT is not one-size-fits-all. The right service level depends on your mobility, your medical condition, and the complexity of your pickup and drop-off locations. Here is what each level means in plain language.
Curb-to-Curb
The driver pulls up to the address, and you walk to the vehicle. Best for patients who are fully mobile and just need a reliable ride to a medical appointment. Common for routine checkups, lab work, and specialist consultations.
Real Patient Scenario
Maria, 72, walks independently and visits her cardiologist every three months. She does not drive on expressways. The driver arrives at her driveway, and she walks to the vehicle on her own.
Best when: You walk independently and do not need physical assistance getting to or from the vehicle.
Door-to-Door
The driver walks you from your front door to the vehicle and from the vehicle to the entrance of your destination. One step beyond curb-to-curb. Ideal for patients who are steady on their feet but benefit from a guiding arm on uneven walkways or stairs.
Real Patient Scenario
James, 68, recently had knee replacement surgery. He can walk with a cane but appreciates someone steadying him on the sidewalk, especially in wet weather. The driver meets him at his front door and walks beside him to the van.
Best when: You are mobile but want help navigating walkways, steps, or parking lots between your door and the vehicle.
Door-through-Door
The driver assists you inside both buildings. That means through the lobby, down the hallway, into the elevator, and to the check-in desk. This is the standard for patients visiting large hospital complexes or multi-story medical buildings where finding the right office is half the battle.
Real Patient Scenario
Dorothy, 81, has mild cognitive decline. Her daughter books door-through-door service so the driver escorts Dorothy from her assisted-living apartment, through the facility lobby, into the van, and then through the hospital entrance all the way to the third-floor oncology waiting room.
Best when: You need someone to walk you through hallways, elevators, and lobbies inside the building at either end of the trip.
Room-to-Room
Full attendant escort from a specific room at the origin to the designated room at the destination. The highest non-stretcher service level. Often used for facility-to-facility transfers where the patient must be handed off at a nurses’ station or specific department.
Real Patient Scenario
Robert, 77, is transferring from a skilled nursing facility to an outpatient rehab center. The driver arrives at his room in the SNF, assists him into a wheelchair, navigates the facility hallways, loads him into the vehicle, and delivers him to the physical therapy room at the rehab center.
Best when: You are moving between specific rooms in two facilities and need full escort from origin room to destination room.
Bed-to-Bed
The attendant assists the patient from the bed at the origin to the bed at the destination. This service level is for patients who cannot sit upright in a standard wheelchair or who must remain reclined during transit. Typically involves a stretcher or Broda Traversa chair.
Real Patient Scenario
Linda, 64, is being discharged from the hospital after spinal surgery. She cannot sit upright for more than a few minutes. The crew transfers her from her hospital bed to the stretcher, secures her in the vehicle, and transfers her to her bed at home with the help of a family member.
Best when: You must remain lying down or reclined during the entire trip, from bed at pickup to bed at drop-off.
Stretcher Transport
Dedicated stretcher (gurney) vehicles staffed by two trained attendants. The patient rides on a hydraulic stretcher that is secured to the vehicle floor with a four-point tie-down system. Required for patients who cannot sit upright, weigh over 300 pounds (bariatric), or are being discharged from ICU or surgical units. Dream Care Rides also offers the Broda Traversa chair for patients who need adjustable tilt-and-recline positioning during transit.
Real Patient Scenario
Thomas, 58, suffered a stroke and is being transferred from a downtown Chicago hospital to a long-term rehab facility in the suburbs. He cannot sit up and requires oxygen during transit. Two attendants manage the stretcher, monitor him during the ride, and deliver him to the intake room at the rehab facility.
Best when: You must remain flat or reclined, require bariatric equipment, or are being discharged from an ICU or surgical unit.
Not sure which level you need? Call (708) 505-6994 and we will help you figure it out based on the patient's specific situation.
Your Payment Options
How you pay for NEMT depends on your insurance coverage, your medical situation, and your personal preferences. There is no single right answer\u2014many patients use a combination of payment methods. Here is an honest overview of each option so you can make an informed decision.
Medicaid
NEMT is a mandatory Medicaid benefit in Illinois. If you have Medicaid, your rides to covered medical appointments cost you nothing. Your managed care organization assigns a broker\u2014typically MTM or Modivcare\u2014who authorizes trips and assigns providers. You call the broker, they handle the rest. The downside: you often cannot choose your provider, wait times can be long, and ride quality varies. You can request Dream Care Rides by name when calling your broker.
Cost to you: $0 for covered trips
Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare does not cover NEMT. But many Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) include a supplemental transportation benefit\u2014typically 12 to 48 one-way trips per year. Check your Summary of Benefits to see if you have this benefit, how many rides are included, and what destinations are eligible. Some plans restrict rides to certain providers or trip types. If you exhaust your benefit, private pay fills the gap.
Cost to you: $0 for authorized trips (limited quantity)
Private Insurance
Most private insurance plans (employer-sponsored, marketplace, etc.) do not cover NEMT. A few plans reimburse medical transportation under specific circumstances\u2014post-surgical transport, medically necessary stretcher rides, or workers' compensation claims. If you believe your plan may cover transportation, call your insurer before booking and ask for a pre-authorization or letter confirming coverage. Keep all receipts for reimbursement claims.
Cost to you: Usually full fare (reimbursement possible)
Private Pay
You call Dream Care Rides directly. No broker, no authorization, no waiting for callback. We give you a price upfront, you confirm, and the ride is booked. Private pay gives you the most control: choose your provider, choose your service level, book same-day if needed, and set up recurring rides with one call. Many Medicaid and Medicare patients also use private pay for trips their insurance does not cover or when broker-assigned rides are unreliable.
Cost to you: Quoted price (no hidden fees)
Learn more about private pay →Combination Payment: Using Multiple Options
Many patients combine payment methods. A common pattern: use Medicaid for routine dialysis rides (three times a week, zero cost), but book private pay for a specialist visit in the suburbs that the broker cannot schedule in time. Another pattern: use Medicare Advantage for the 24 covered rides per year, then switch to private pay for the remaining appointments. There is no rule against mixing\u2014do whatever gets you to your appointments reliably. Dream Care Rides accepts Medicaid (through brokers), Medicare Advantage plans, and private pay.
How to Book: It Takes Under 3 Minutes
Booking a ride with Dream Care Rides is straightforward. A real person answers the phone\u2014no automated phone tree, no "press 1 for English," no hold music. You can also book online any time of day.
Gather Your Info
Have ready: patient name, pickup address, destination, appointment date and time, mobility needs (ambulatory, wheelchair, or stretcher), and any special requirements (oxygen, bariatric, companion).
Call or Book Online
Call (708) 505-6994 or go to dreamcarerides.com/booking. Tell us where, when, and what type of ride. We match you with the right vehicle and crew.
Confirm Your Price
We quote an all-in price before you commit. Base fare plus mileage, stairs, wait time—everything included. The price we quote is the price you pay.
Ride Day
Your driver arrives on time, assists you at the service level you booked, and gets you safely to your appointment. For return trips, choose scheduled pickup or will-call.
Standing Orders: One Call Sets Up Your Entire Schedule
If you have recurring medical appointments\u2014dialysis three times a week, physical therapy every Tuesday, chemotherapy every other Friday\u2014you should not have to call and book each ride individually. A standing order means you make one call, tell us your full schedule, and every ride is booked automatically. No weekly phone calls, no risk of forgetting to schedule, no gaps in your treatment plan.
When you set up a standing order, we assign the same driver whenever possible. That means a familiar face, someone who knows your routine, your mobility needs, and the fastest route to your medical facility. If your regular driver is unavailable, we assign a trained backup and notify you in advance.
Standing orders work for every payment type. Medicaid patients can have their broker set up recurring authorizations. Medicare Advantage patients can use their allotted rides on a standing schedule. Private pay patients get the same consistency. Need to cancel or reschedule one ride in the middle of a standing order? No problem\u2014adjust one ride without disrupting the rest of your schedule.
To set up a standing order, call (708) 505-6994 and tell us: the patient's name, the days and times of each appointment, the pickup and drop-off addresses, the service level needed, and whether you want scheduled return pickups or will-call. We handle the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions by Patient Type
Different patients have different questions. Find your situation below and get direct, honest answers.
For Medicaid Patients
How do I get free NEMT rides through Medicaid in Illinois?+
If you have Medicaid in Illinois, your rides to medical appointments are a covered benefit. You do not pay out of pocket. Call your managed care organization (MCO) or the transportation broker assigned to your plan—typically MTM or Modivcare—at least 48 hours before your appointment. They will authorize the trip and assign a provider like Dream Care Rides. For recurring appointments such as dialysis, ask about setting up a standing order so you only make one call.
What is the difference between MTM and Modivcare, and which one do I call?+
MTM and Modivcare are third-party transportation brokers that manage NEMT rides for Medicaid managed care plans in Illinois. Which broker you call depends on your specific MCO. Check your Medicaid insurance card or call your MCO’s member services line to find out which broker handles your rides. Both brokers work with Dream Care Rides as an approved provider.
Can I request a specific NEMT provider through my Medicaid broker?+
Yes. When you call MTM or Modivcare, you can request Dream Care Rides by name. The broker is not obligated to honor every request, but if Dream Care Rides is an approved provider in your area and the vehicle type is available, the broker will often assign us. Mention that you want Dream Care Rides and provide our name and phone number: (708) 505-6994.
What if my Medicaid broker denies my ride or assigns the wrong vehicle type?+
If your broker denies a ride or assigns a vehicle that does not meet your needs—for example, sending a sedan when you need a wheelchair van—call the broker back immediately and explain your medical needs. Ask your doctor’s office to fax a letter of medical necessity if needed. You also have the right to file a grievance with your MCO. In the meantime, you can book a private pay ride with Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 to avoid missing your appointment.
For Medicare Patients
Does Medicare cover non-emergency medical transportation?+
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover NEMT. However, many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include NEMT as a supplemental benefit. The number of covered rides, eligible destinations, and service levels vary by plan. Check your plan’s Summary of Benefits or call the member services number on your card to find out if NEMT is included.
How do I use my Medicare Advantage NEMT benefit with Dream Care Rides?+
If your Medicare Advantage plan covers NEMT, call the plan’s transportation line (listed on your member card) to authorize a trip. Some plans use brokers like MTM, Modivcare, or SafeRide, while others manage rides in-house. Request Dream Care Rides as your preferred provider when you call. If the plan does not contract with us directly, you may still book a private pay ride and submit a claim for reimbursement depending on your plan’s out-of-network policy.
My Medicare Advantage plan gives me a limited number of rides. How should I use them?+
Prioritize your covered rides for appointments that are hardest to reschedule or farthest away—specialist visits, surgeries, imaging, and procedures. For closer or more routine visits, consider booking private pay rides at (708) 505-6994. Many patients combine their Medicare Advantage benefit with private pay to cover all their transportation needs without running out of authorized rides.
Can Medicare cover stretcher transportation to a medical appointment?+
Medicare Part B covers ambulance transport (including stretcher) only when the patient’s medical condition requires it and the destination is a Medicare-approved facility. For non-emergency stretcher transport, Medicare Advantage plans may cover it if the plan includes NEMT benefits and the patient’s condition warrants stretcher-level service. A physician’s order or letter of medical necessity is usually required. Dream Care Rides provides stretcher transport starting at $300 for patients who need it, regardless of insurance status.
For Private Pay Patients
How much does a private pay NEMT ride cost?+
In Illinois, ambulatory rides start at $35–$65 base plus $2–$4 per mile. Wheelchair rides start at $65–$115 base plus $3–$6 per mile. Stretcher rides start at $300–$525 base plus $5–$16 per mile. Your quote depends on the service level, distance, and any extras like stairs or wait time. Call (708) 505-6994 for an exact quote—the price we quote is the price you pay.
Is same-day booking available for private pay patients?+
Yes. Private pay patients can book same-day rides subject to vehicle availability. We recommend calling as early in the day as possible. For wheelchair and stretcher trips, 24–48 hours of advance notice gives us the best chance of matching you with the right vehicle and crew. Recurring patients with standing orders always get priority scheduling.
Do I need a doctor’s referral or prescription to book a private pay ride?+
No. Private pay patients do not need prior authorization, a doctor’s referral, or any insurance paperwork. You call, we give you a price, and you book. That said, if your trip requires stretcher transport or special medical equipment, we may ask about your mobility needs to assign the correct vehicle and crew.
Can I set up recurring private pay rides for dialysis or therapy?+
Absolutely. One call to (708) 505-6994 sets up your full recurring schedule. Tell us the days, times, pickup address, and destination. We assign the same driver when possible so you see a familiar face each trip. You can also adjust or cancel individual rides without disrupting the rest of your schedule.
For Caregivers & Family Members
Can I book a ride for my parent or family member?+
Yes. Caregivers, family members, case managers, and discharge planners book rides on behalf of patients every day. Call (708) 505-6994 or book online at dreamcarerides.com/booking. You will need the patient’s name, pickup and drop-off addresses, appointment date and time, and any mobility or medical equipment needs (wheelchair, stretcher, oxygen, etc.).
Can I ride along with my family member during the trip?+
Yes. One companion can ride along at no extra charge on most trips. If more than one companion needs to ride, call us to confirm vehicle capacity. Companions are encouraged for patients with cognitive impairment, anxiety, or who need help communicating with medical staff at the appointment.
How do I know my family member is safe during the ride?+
All Dream Care Rides drivers pass background checks, drug screenings, and defensive-driving certification. Our vehicles are inspected regularly, equipped with GPS tracking, and comply with ADA standards. For stretcher patients, two trained attendants are on every trip. You can request real-time ETAs by calling our dispatch at (708) 505-6994 during the ride.
What if my family member’s appointment runs late or gets cancelled?+
If the appointment runs late, call us and we will adjust the return pickup time at no extra charge (within reason). If the appointment is cancelled, let us know as soon as possible. We ask for at least two hours’ notice for cancellations to avoid a cancellation fee. For will-call returns, the patient or caregiver simply calls when the appointment is over and we dispatch a driver.
Ready to Book Your Ride?
A real person answers the phone. No hold music, no phone tree, no callbacks. Tell us where, when, and what you need. We handle the rest.
Otse Ikomi
Founder & CEO, Dream Care Rides | NPI: 1023785096
Otse Ikomi founded Dream Care Rides to solve a problem he saw firsthand: patients missing critical medical appointments because reliable, compassionate transportation did not exist. Under his leadership, Dream Care Rides has completed over 50,000 trips across Illinois and Indiana, serving Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and private pay patients with ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher transport. Every piece of content on this site is reviewed by Otse and the Dream Care Rides clinical and operations team.