Insurance-Covered Stretcher Transport — Illinois
Stretcher Rides Covered by Your Insurance
Dream Care Rides bills directly with Illinois Medicaid MCOs and Medicare Special Needs Plans (I-SNP & FIDE-SNP) for stretcher and gurney transportation. If your plan is listed below, you may qualify for covered stretcher transport with prior authorization.
Get your Prior Authorization from your insurance, then call us to schedule your ride. We handle the billing directly — no out-of-pocket cost for covered Medicaid services.
Illinois Medicaid Managed Care
Illinois Medicaid Plans We Bill Directly
We are an enrolled stretcher van provider in the Illinois IMPACT system. These Medicaid MCOs under HealthChoice Illinois cover stretcher transport with a Physician Certification Statement (PCS).
Molina Healthcare of Illinois
Medicaid Managed Care
HealthChoice Illinois MCO. Stretcher van transport covered with Physician Certification Statement (PCS). We bill directly as an IMPACT-enrolled provider. MTM coordinates transportation scheduling.
Meridian Health Plan
Medicaid Managed Care
HealthChoice Illinois MCO. Stretcher NEMT covered with PCS. Submit PA through MTM. PCS valid for up to 180 days for recurring medicar/wheelchair trips.
Blue Cross Community Health Plan
Medicaid Managed Care
Community Health Plans under HealthChoice Illinois. Stretcher transport covered with proper medical necessity documentation and PCS. Contact the plan directly for PA.
Aetna Better Health of Illinois
Medicaid Managed Care
Medicaid managed care under HealthChoice Illinois. Stretcher transport requires prior authorization through the plan. Also offers D-SNP and FIDE-SNP plans (see below).
CountyCare Health Plan
Medicaid Managed Care
Cook County Medicaid MCO. Stretcher van transport covered for qualifying members with PCS documentation. Contact the plan directly for authorization.
Illinois Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) Members
FFS members get prior authorization through Transdev NETSPAP (the state broker for FFS transportation). Call Transdev at (877) 725-0569 (members) or submit via the PassPORT portal (24/7). Once you have your PA, call us to schedule. We bill directly through IMPACT.
Medicare Special Needs Plans — Illinois
I-SNP & FIDE-SNP Plans We Bill For
We serve members enrolled in Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNP) and Fully Integrated Dual Eligible SNPs (FIDE-SNP) in Illinois. These plans cover stretcher transport for nursing facility residents, assisted living residents, and dual-eligible members.
What Are I-SNP & FIDE-SNP Plans?
I-SNP (Institutional SNP)
Medicare Advantage plans for people living in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, or receiving institutional-level care at home. I-SNP members can enroll year-round and receive an on-site nurse practitioner who coordinates their care. Stretcher transport to medical appointments is a key benefit.
FIDE-SNP (Fully Integrated Dual Eligible)
Plans for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid (dual-eligible). FIDE-SNPs combine all Medicare and Medicaid benefits into one plan, including comprehensive NEMT coverage. As of January 2026, four FIDE-SNPs operate statewide in Illinois.
Why this matters for you: If you or your loved one is in a nursing home, assisted living, or qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid, you likely have stretcher transport coverage through one of these plans. Contact us and we will verify your benefits.
Humana — Longevity Health Plan (HMO I-SNP)
Institutional Special Needs Plan (I-SNP)
I-SNP for members in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in Cook, Lake, and DuPage counties. Stretcher transport for facility residents to medical appointments. We bill through SafeRide Health, Humana's NEMT broker.
Humana Dual Fully Integrated (HMO D-SNP / FIDE-SNP)
Fully Integrated Dual Eligible SNP
FIDE-SNP available statewide for dual-eligible members (Medicare + Medicaid). Comprehensive stretcher transport coverage. We bill through SafeRide Health. PA required for non-emergency transport.
Aetna Medicare FIDE (HMO D-SNP)
Fully Integrated Dual Eligible SNP
Statewide FIDE-SNP for dual-eligible members. Stretcher transport covered with proper medical necessity documentation. We bill through the plan's transportation coordinator.
Molina Medicare Complete Care Plus (HMO D-SNP)
Fully Integrated Dual Eligible SNP
Statewide FIDE-SNP. Combined Medicare and Medicaid benefits including NEMT. Stretcher transport available with PA for qualifying members.
Wellcare Meridian Dual Align (HMO D-SNP)
Fully Integrated Dual Eligible SNP
Centene/WellCare statewide FIDE-SNP under Meridian. Stretcher transport coverage through Modivcare broker. PA required with PCS documentation.
How Humana NEMT Works
Humana uses SafeRide Health as their NEMT transportation broker. When a Humana I-SNP or FIDE-SNP member needs stretcher transport, the facility or member calls SafeRide at (866) 588-5122 to schedule. SafeRide dispatches the trip to us. We provide the transport and bill through SafeRide. For prior authorization, call Humana Clinical Intake at (800) 523-0023 (available 24/7).
Not Sure Which Plan You Have?
Here are four ways to find out if you have a Medicaid MCO, I-SNP, or FIDE-SNP plan that covers stretcher transport:
Check Your Insurance Card
Your card will show the plan name, member ID, and a customer service number
Check the MEDI System
Your provider or facility can verify your plan enrollment through the Illinois MEDI eligibility system
Call Illinois HFS
Call (877) 782-5565 to verify your Medicaid plan enrollment
Call Us — We Can Help
Call (866) 507-5724 and we will help you verify your plan and coverage
How to Get Your Ride Covered
The Prior Authorization Process — Step by Step
Follow these four steps to get your stretcher transport covered by insurance. The process is the same for Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans.
Confirm Your Plan Covers Stretcher Transport
Call the member services number on your insurance card and ask: 'Does my plan cover non-emergency stretcher van transport?' For Medicaid, ask about HCPCS code T2005. For Medicare Advantage, ask about your NEMT transportation benefit and whether it includes stretcher/gurney service.
Tip: D-SNP (Dual Special Needs Plans) are the most likely to cover stretcher transport. Standard Medicare Advantage plans often do not.
Get a Physician Certification Statement (PCS)
Your doctor must complete a Physician Certification Statement (PCS) documenting why you need stretcher transport instead of a wheelchair van or sedan. The PCS must explain that you cannot sit upright safely, cannot transfer to a wheelchair, or have a medical condition requiring supine (lying flat) transport.
Tip: A PCS can be valid for up to 1 year for recurring trips like dialysis. Ask your doctor to include the frequency and duration.
Submit the PCS for Prior Authorization
Submit the completed PCS to your insurance plan or their designated transportation broker. For Medicaid MCOs, this is typically MTM, Modivcare, or the plan directly. For Medicare Advantage, call the plan's prior authorization line. They will review and approve or deny the request, usually within 3-5 business days.
Tip: Keep a copy of your PCS and the PA approval number. You will need the PA number when scheduling your ride with us.
Call Dream Care Rides to Schedule
Once you have your Prior Authorization approval, call us at (866) 507-5724 with your PA number, member ID, pickup/destination addresses, and appointment date/time. We handle everything from there — dispatch, transport, and billing directly to your insurance.
Tip: Book at least 48-72 hours in advance for the best availability. We also accommodate same-day requests when possible.
Download PA Forms
Prior Authorization Forms for Illinois
Download the official Illinois HFS forms needed for stretcher transport prior authorization. Give these to your doctor or discharge planner to complete.
HFS 2270 — Physician Certification Statement (PCS)
Required for stretcher transport originating from a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or other medical facility. Must be signed by a physician, NP, PA, or other authorized provider documenting medical necessity for stretcher/supine transport.
HFS 2271 — Certificate of Transportation Services (CTS)
Required for stretcher transport originating from the patient's home or residential address. Effective since June 2022. Must be completed by a licensed medical professional — not the transportation provider.
Standing Prior Approval (SPA) Form
For recurring/repetitive trips (dialysis, chemotherapy, radiation, PT, etc.). One SPA covers multiple trips on an ongoing schedule, reducing the need for individual PA requests for each trip.
Single Trip Form
For one-time or non-recurring trips. Use this when the patient needs a single stretcher transport that is not part of an ongoing treatment schedule.
Which Form Do I Need?
All forms should be completed by a licensed medical professional (MD, DO, NP, PA, CNS, RN, LPN, LCSW, or discharge planner). Submit completed forms to your insurance plan or Transdev NETSPAP (fax: 630-873-1450 | email: us.tru.efax@transdev.com).
What You Need
Documents & Information Required
Have these items ready before calling your insurance for prior authorization, and when scheduling your ride with us.
Physician Certification Statement (PCS)
A signed statement from your MD, DO, NP, PA, or CNS documenting medical necessity for stretcher transport. Must explain why you cannot sit in a wheelchair or sedan.
Prior Authorization (PA) Number
The approval number issued by your insurance plan or their transportation broker after reviewing your PCS. You will need this when scheduling your ride.
Insurance Member ID Card
Your current insurance card showing your member ID, group number, and plan name. We use this to verify your coverage and submit claims.
Medical Diagnosis (ICD-10 Codes)
Your doctor will include ICD-10 diagnostic codes on the PCS that support the medical necessity for stretcher transport (e.g., spinal conditions, post-surgical, bed-bound status).
Trip Details
Complete pickup address, destination address (facility name), appointment date and time, and whether a return trip is needed. For recurring trips, provide the full schedule.
Patient Weight & Special Needs
Approximate patient weight (for bariatric considerations), any oxygen requirements, IV equipment, or other medical equipment that needs to travel with the patient.
Our Provider Information
Dream Care Rides Provider Credentials
Share this information with your insurance company, doctor's office, or discharge planner when requesting prior authorization for stretcher transport with Dream Care Rides.
NPI Number
1033989991
Provider Type
Non-Emergency Stretcher Van (Medicar)
Licensed In
Illinois (IDPH Licensed)
IDPH License
Stretcher Van Provider (77 Ill. Admin. Code 515)
IMPACT Enrolled
Illinois Medicaid Stretcher Van Provider
SafeRide Health
Credentialed Humana NEMT Provider
Service Area
80+ cities across Illinois
HIPAA Compliant
Full HIPAA compliance & BAA available
Need Our Info for a Prior Authorization Request?
Call us and we will provide any documentation your insurance company needs, including our NPI, licensing information, tax ID, and insurance certificates.
Billing Codes Reference
HCPCS Codes for Stretcher Transport in Illinois
For healthcare facilities, case managers, and discharge planners — these are the billing codes used for insurance-covered stretcher transport in Illinois.
Non-emergency transportation; stretcher van
Primary code for stretcher van (medicar) transport. Used for Illinois Medicaid MCO billing and Medicaid FFS. This is our main billing code.
Non-emergency transportation; stretcher van, mileage
Mileage add-on for stretcher van transport. Billed per loaded mile from pickup to destination. Used with T2005.
BLS non-emergency transport
Basic Life Support ambulance for non-emergency transport. Used for Medicare Advantage and SNP plan billing when BLS-level service is required.
Ground mileage, per statute mile
Mileage add-on billed per loaded statute mile. Used with ambulance codes (A0428) for Medicare/SNP billing.
Non-emergency transportation; attendant/escort
Add-on code for patient attendant services during transport when medically necessary.
Non-emergency transportation; wheelchair van
Comparison code for wheelchair van transport. Used when patient can sit upright but needs wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
Illinois Billing Modifiers
All Illinois Medicaid claims must be submitted electronically. Use appropriate taxonomy code matching your provider type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Insurance Billing & Prior Authorization FAQ
Common questions about getting your stretcher transport covered by insurance in Illinois.
We bill directly with all five Illinois Medicaid MCOs under HealthChoice Illinois: Molina, Meridian, Blue Cross Community, Aetna Better Health, and CountyCare. We also serve members enrolled in Humana's Longevity Health Plan I-SNP, Humana FIDE-SNP, Aetna Medicare FIDE, Molina Medicare Complete Care Plus, and Wellcare Meridian Dual Align.
An I-SNP (Institutional Special Needs Plan) is a Medicare Advantage plan for people living in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, or receiving institutional-level care at home. Humana's Longevity Health Plan is the primary I-SNP in Illinois, covering Cook, Lake, and DuPage counties. Yes, I-SNP plans typically cover stretcher transport to and from medical appointments.
An I-SNP is specifically for people in institutional care settings (nursing homes, assisted living). A FIDE-SNP (Fully Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan) is for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid (dual-eligible), regardless of where they live. Both plan types typically cover stretcher transport. As of January 2026, four FIDE-SNP plans operate statewide in Illinois.
A Prior Authorization is pre-approval from your insurance company confirming that your stretcher transport is medically necessary and will be covered. Without a PA, your insurance will not pay for the ride. Your doctor must complete a Physician Certification Statement (PCS) — form HFS 2270 for medical facility trips or HFS 2271 for community-to-service trips — and this gets submitted to your plan for approval.
Ask your primary care doctor, specialist, or the physician managing your care to complete form HFS 2270 (PCS). The form must state that you cannot sit upright in a wheelchair or sedan and require stretcher/supine transport. For community-to-service trips, use form HFS 2271 (CTS). Your doctor's office should be familiar with these forms — they are standard for Illinois Medicaid NEMT authorization.
For Illinois Medicaid FFS members, Transdev typically processes PA requests within 5-7 business days. For Medicaid MCOs, most process within 3-5 business days. Humana's Clinical Intake line (800-523-0023) is available 24/7 and can process urgent requests. For recurring transport like dialysis, one PA can cover multiple trips through a standing order.
Humana uses SafeRide Health as their NEMT transportation broker. The facility or member calls SafeRide at (866) 588-5122 to schedule the trip. SafeRide dispatches us to provide the transport. For prior authorization, call Humana Clinical Intake at (800) 523-0023 (24/7). Repetitive scheduled transports (3+ times in 10 days or weekly for 3+ weeks) can be authorized for up to 40 round trips in a 60-day period.
For Medicaid members, there is typically no out-of-pocket cost for covered stretcher transport. For I-SNP and FIDE-SNP members, your cost depends on your specific plan's copay and coinsurance structure. Most SNP plans have $0 or very low copays for medically necessary transportation. We will help you understand your potential costs before scheduling.
If your plan is not on our direct-billing list, you may still be able to use our services through your plan's transportation broker, or you can book as a private pay patient. Contact us at (866) 507-5724 and we will help you determine the best option for your situation.
If your PA is denied, you have the right to appeal. For Medicaid FFS, submit your appeal to Transdev within 30 days via fax (630-873-1450) or the PassPORT portal with additional documentation. For Humana, call (866) 737-5113 for expedited coverage decisions. Your doctor can provide additional documentation supporting medical necessity. We can also help guide you through the appeals process.
Have Your Prior Authorization? Schedule Your Ride.
Once your insurance approves your stretcher transport, call us with your PA number to schedule. We handle the rest — dispatch, transport, and direct billing to your insurance.