Stretcher transportation with Dream Care Rides costs $300–$525 base rate plus $5–$16 per mile in Illinois. Weekend surcharge is 1.5×, holiday surcharge is 2.25×, wait time is $15–$30 per 15 minutes, oxygen support is $25, and stairchair assist is $25. This is 30–70% less than ambulance transport, which typically costs $800–$2,500+ per trip. Call (708) 505-6994 for an exact upfront quote based on your pickup, destination, and service level.

Yes. Illinois Medicaid covers non-emergency stretcher transportation when a physician certifies it as medically necessary. The patient must be unable to sit upright or travel by wheelchair due to their medical condition. Dream Care Rides accepts Illinois Medicaid for stretcher transport, including both fee-for-service and managed care plans. Our billing team handles prior authorization and claims submission. Call (708) 505-6994 to verify your Medicaid stretcher transport coverage.

Non-emergency stretcher transport is medical transportation for patients who must travel lying down but do not require emergency medical intervention, sirens, or paramedic-level care. It uses a specially equipped stretcher van (ambulette) with a medical-grade stretcher, trained 2-person crew, and patient securement systems. Common uses include hospital discharges, skilled nursing facility transfers, post-surgical transport, and long-distance medical relocation. Dream Care Rides provides non-emergency stretcher transport across Illinois and nationwide.

You need stretcher transportation if the patient cannot sit upright for the duration of the trip, is bed-bound, has spinal restrictions, is post-surgical with positioning requirements, or weighs over 300 lbs and cannot safely use a wheelchair. You need a wheelchair van if the patient can sit upright in a wheelchair but cannot walk or transfer to a car seat. If you are unsure, call Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 and our dispatch team will recommend the right service level based on the patient’s condition.

Book stretcher transportation with Dream Care Rides in three ways: (1) Book online at dreamcarerides.com/booking with your pickup address, destination, date, and service type. (2) Call (708) 505-6994 to speak with dispatch and get an immediate quote. (3) For facilities, email info@dreamcarerides.com with patient details and we will confirm availability within 30 minutes. We serve the Chicagoland area, all of Illinois, Northwest Indiana, and nationwide for long-distance stretcher transport.

Stretcher transport carries medically stable patients who need to travel lying down but do not require emergency medical intervention. An ambulance carries patients who need ALS/BLS medical equipment, paramedics, or EMTs during the trip. Stretcher transport costs $300–$525 base rate; an ambulance costs $800–$2,500+. Both transport patients in a lying position, but stretcher transport includes bed-to-bed service, trained attendants, bariatric capability, and stair assistance at a fraction of ambulance cost. Save the ambulance for emergencies.

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers ambulance transport only when it is medically necessary and no other transportation is suitable. For non-emergency stretcher transport, Original Medicare generally does not cover NEMT. However, many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include non-emergency medical transportation as a supplemental benefit. If your Medicare Advantage plan covers stretcher transport, Dream Care Rides can coordinate rides under that benefit. Call (708) 505-6994 to verify your plan’s coverage.

Dream Care Rides provides stretcher transportation throughout the Chicagoland area, across all of Illinois, and into Northwest Indiana. Our headquarters is in Olympia Fields, IL, with fast dispatch times across Chicago, Joliet, Naperville, Aurora, Evanston, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Homewood, Matteson, Harvey, Hammond IN, and Gary IN. We also provide long-distance stretcher transport nationwide for interstate facility transfers and medical relocations. Call (708) 505-6994 to confirm service in your area.

Bed-to-bed transport means our 2-person team handles the entire transfer from the patient’s current bed to the transport stretcher, through the vehicle, and back into a bed at the destination. The patient is never left in a hallway, lobby, or waiting area. This is our standard protocol on every stretcher trip at Dream Care Rides.

The Broda Traversa is an advanced comfort transport system that serves as a stretcher alternative. It features adjustable seating, tilt-in-space positioning, and full recline capability. It reduces discomfort and prevents pressure sores for patients who need more than a standard stretcher. Dream Care Rides is one of the few NEMT providers equipped with this system.

Yes. Dream Care Rides operates purpose-built bariatric stretchers and hydraulic lifts for patients over 300 lbs. Our trained teams handle bariatric transfers with proper equipment, technique, and dignity. We never decline a trip due to patient size. Bariatric stretcher transport uses the same $300–$525 base rate structure. Call (708) 505-6994 to discuss your patient’s specific needs.

Yes. We provide interstate and long-distance stretcher transport with trained attendants for the full journey. Whether relocating to a new care facility or returning home across state lines, our team provides continuous care, comfort stops, and real-time communication with families throughout the trip. Call (708) 505-6994 for a long-distance stretcher transport quote.

Yes. One family member or caregiver is welcome to ride along in the stretcher van at no extra charge. Having a familiar face during transport can reduce patient anxiety and improve comfort. Let us know when booking if a companion will be joining the trip.

We provide NEMT services throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas. Please contact us to confirm if we service your specific location.