Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Rates

With Dream Care Rides, a one-way leg in Chicago costs 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. Base rates are per one-way leg; a round trip is two legs. Surcharges such as weekends (+$50 per leg) apply only when they fit the trip, and your exact price shows before you book.

Wheelchair transportation with Dream Care Rides is $40–$70 base plus $3.50 per mile after the first 3 miles, per one-way leg, in an ADA van with a lift or ramp. The level of help sets where in that range you land: curb-to-curb is the lowest, door-to-door and hand-to-hand cost more. Call (708) 505-6994 for an exact quote.

A stretcher ride needs a stretcher van, medical-grade equipment and a crew trained for lifts and transfers: two crew members for a gurney, one for a Broda chair. At Dream Care Rides a stretcher leg is $350–$400 base plus $6.00 per mile after the first 5 miles.

NEMT uses sedans or SUVs for riders who can walk, wheelchair-accessible vans with a lift or ramp, and stretcher vans for riders who must lie down. Dream Care Rides matches the vehicle to how the rider moves.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine rides to doctor appointments. Part B covers ground ambulance when other transport could endanger your health, and non-emergency ambulance only when it is medically necessary with a written order (for example, some dialysis patients); you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible. Some Medicare Advantage plans include rides to appointments as a supplemental benefit, so check your plan's Evidence of Coverage. People with both Medicare and Medicaid can use Medicaid NEMT.

Illinois Medicaid covers non-emergency rides to covered medical appointments, arranged through the member's managed care plan or the state's transportation broker. Dream Care Rides is primarily private pay: Medicaid accepted in select service areas — call (708) 505-6994 to check availability.

Yes, for some riders. Medicaid members can get rides to covered appointments at no cost through their plan, and some community organizations, hospitals and non-profits offer free or low-cost rides.

Book weekday rides between 7 AM and 6 PM, which avoids the weekend and after-hours surcharges, and choose the lowest level of help the rider needs. Ambulatory and wheelchair round trips take 10% off the return leg's base and mileage. Also check whether Medicaid or your insurance plan covers medical transportation.

Look for a good reputation, transparent pricing, the service the rider needs, and availability in your area.

Yes, NEMT rates vary significantly across states. Cost of living, insurance rates, state regulations, and local competition all affect pricing. Our NEMT cost by state guide compares estimated private pay rates in all 50 states.

Dream Care Rides serves Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana from its headquarters in Olympia Fields, IL, and runs long-distance trips to and from the Chicago area. Visit our coverage area page for the cities and counties we serve.