Original Medicare — what is and isn't covered
Original Medicare consists of Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). For transportation, it works like this:
- Emergency ambulance: Covered when you have a true medical emergency and other transport could endanger your health. Subject to Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance.
- Non-emergency ambulance: Covered only in narrow circumstances — typically when you're confined to bed and other transportation could endanger your health, with written documentation.
- Routine non-emergency transportation: Not covered. Trips to scheduled doctor appointments, dialysis, chemo, physical therapy, etc. are not a covered benefit under Parts A and B.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) — often does cover transportation
Medicare Advantage plans are private insurance plans that replace Original Medicare. They must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but they can add supplemental benefits — and transportation is one of the most common.
Typical Medicare Advantage transportation benefits include:
- A set number of one-way trips per year (commonly 24–60 trips)
- Trips to plan-approved medical appointments and pharmacy visits
- Distance limits (often 25–50 miles per trip)
- Coordination through a designated transportation vendor
Benefits vary by plan and by year. Check your plan's Summary of Benefits or call your plan's customer service to confirm.
What if I have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap)?
Medigap policies fill in gaps in Original Medicare. They generally do not add transportation coverage that Original Medicare doesn't already provide.
Dual-eligible (Medicare + Medicaid)?
If you have both Medicare and Medicaid (sometimes called "dual-eligible"), your Medicaid coverage typically handles routine non-emergency medical transportation. In New York, you'd book through MAS just like any other Medicaid member.
What if my plan doesn't cover the trip I need?
You have several options:
- HSA or FSA: Medical transportation to qualified appointments is an eligible expense.
- Private pay: DachiPlus offers transparent rates — see pricing.
- Other coverage: If your trip is related to a work injury or motor vehicle accident, workers' comp or no-fault auto may cover it.
- Long-term care insurance: Many LTCI policies cover transportation. See LTCI details.
How to find out what your plan covers
The fastest way is to call DachiPlus at (516) 754-7777 with your plan information. We verify coverage for you and tell you what's covered before booking the trip.