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DachiPlus — Medical Transportation on Long Island

Frequently asked questions

Every question, answered

41 questions organized by topic. If your question isn't here, call us — chances are it'll be on this page within the week.

General

General questions

What is non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT)?

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Non-emergency medical transportation, or NEMT, is scheduled ground transportation for patients who need help getting to medical appointments but do not require ambulance-level care. NEMT vehicles include sedans for ambulatory passengers and wheelchair-accessible vans (ambulettes) for passengers with mobility devices. Drivers are trained in passenger assistance but are not paramedics.

What hours does DachiPlus operate?

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DachiPlus operates 6 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week. Trips outside these hours may be available for facility contracts and certain insurance-billed trips — call (516) 754-7777 to confirm.

What areas does DachiPlus serve?

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DachiPlus serves all of Suffolk County and Nassau County on Long Island. We also provide long-distance medical transportation from Long Island to specialty facilities throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Can a family member or aide ride with me?

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Yes. We allow one companion or aide to ride at no additional cost on most trips. For multiple companions or specific seating needs, please mention this when booking.

Medicaid

Medicaid questions

How do I book Medicaid medical transportation in Suffolk or Nassau County?

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In New York, Medicaid transportation is coordinated through Medical Answering Services (MAS) at 1-844-666-6270. You call MAS at least 72 hours before your appointment, provide your Medicaid ID, appointment information, and any mobility needs, and request that DachiPlus be assigned as your provider. MAS will confirm the trip and notify us to dispatch a vehicle.

What is MAS (Medical Answering Services)?

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Medical Answering Services, commonly called MAS, is the broker that manages Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation across most of New York State, including Long Island. MAS verifies your Medicaid eligibility, confirms your appointment, and assigns a transportation provider. You can request a specific provider, like DachiPlus, when you call.

How far in advance do I need to schedule a Medicaid ride in New York?

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New York State requires Medicaid transportation requests be made at least three business days (72 hours) before your appointment. Urgent or same-day medical needs may qualify for expedited scheduling — call MAS at 1-844-666-6270 to confirm.

How much does Medicaid medical transportation cost?

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Medicaid medical transportation is free to eligible Medicaid members. There is no copay, fare, or out-of-pocket cost for trips approved through MAS. The provider bills Medicaid directly.

Can I request a specific NEMT provider through MAS?

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Yes. When you call MAS, you can request a specific provider by name. Ask the MAS representative to assign your trip to DachiPlus. If we have availability for your appointment window and your trip type, MAS will assign the trip to us.

What happens if I miss my Medicaid transport pickup?

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If you miss your scheduled pickup, call DachiPlus directly at (516) 754-7777 as soon as possible. Depending on the timing and our availability, we may be able to dispatch another vehicle, or you may need to contact MAS to reschedule. Repeated no-shows can affect future trip approvals.

Can a family member ride with me on Medicaid transportation?

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Yes. Medicaid generally allows one approved escort to ride at no additional cost, particularly for minors, passengers with cognitive impairment, or anyone requiring assistance during the trip. Mention any companion when booking with MAS.

How much does Medicaid pay providers for non-emergency transportation?

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Medicaid reimbursement rates for non-emergency medical transportation are set by the New York State Department of Health and vary by trip type — ambulatory, wheelchair, stretcher, and long-distance trips each have different rates. Rates also vary by region. The provider receives payment directly from Medicaid; the patient pays nothing.

Private Pay

Private Pay questions

How much does private-pay medical transportation cost on Long Island?

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Private-pay rates depend on trip type, distance, and vehicle. Ambulatory trips within Suffolk or Nassau typically start around $50–$75. Wheelchair-accessible trips start around $90–$120. Long-distance trips are quoted by route. Wait time and return trips may carry additional charges. Call (516) 754-7777 for an exact quote.

What payment methods do you accept for private rides?

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We accept all major credit and debit cards, HSA and FSA cards, and direct billing for approved insurance categories including workers' compensation, no-fault auto, long-term care insurance, and Medicare Advantage transportation benefits where covered.

Can I book a private-pay ride for today?

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Yes, when vehicles are available. Same-day private booking depends on driver availability and pickup location. Call (516) 754-7777 to check; we confirm or decline same-day requests within the call.

Can I pay for medical transportation with HSA or FSA funds?

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Yes. Medical transportation to and from qualified medical appointments is an eligible HSA and FSA expense under IRS rules. We provide itemized receipts that include date, mileage, and trip purpose for your records.

Medicare

Medicare questions

Does Medicare cover non-emergency medical transportation?

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Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does not cover routine non-emergency medical transportation. Medicare typically covers ambulance services only in emergencies or when other transportation would endanger your health. However, many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include transportation as a supplemental benefit. Check your Medicare Advantage plan documents or ask DachiPlus to verify your coverage.

Does Medicare Advantage cover medical transportation?

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Many Medicare Advantage plans include transportation as a supplemental benefit, typically a set number of one-way trips per year to plan-approved medical appointments. Benefits vary by plan and may require coordination through a designated transportation vendor. We can help verify your coverage when you call.

Insurance & Workers' Comp

Insurance & Workers' Comp questions

Does New York workers' compensation cover medical transportation?

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Yes. Under New York Workers' Compensation Law, transportation to authorized medical appointments related to a work-related injury is covered. DachiPlus bills directly to the carrier or self-insured employer using the NF-3 or equivalent form. We require the case number, carrier information, and adjuster contact at booking.

Does New York no-fault auto insurance cover medical rides?

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Yes. New York no-fault auto insurance (PIP) covers medical transportation related to injuries from a motor vehicle accident. Coverage typically extends to medical appointments, physical therapy, diagnostic imaging, and specialist visits. DachiPlus bills the no-fault carrier directly; we need the claim number, carrier, and adjuster contact.

Can I use long-term care insurance for medical transportation?

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Many long-term care insurance policies cover transportation to medical appointments as a covered benefit, particularly for policyholders receiving in-home care. Reimbursement rules vary by policy. We provide detailed invoices suitable for LTCI reimbursement and can coordinate direct billing where the carrier supports it.

Services & Equipment

Services & Equipment questions

What is the difference between an ambulette and an ambulance?

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An ambulance is staffed by EMTs or paramedics and is used for medical emergencies or transports requiring active medical monitoring. An ambulette is a wheelchair-accessible van staffed by a trained driver-attendant who helps the passenger safely board, secure, and exit the vehicle. Ambulettes are used for scheduled medical appointments where the passenger is stable but needs accessibility or assistance.

What is the difference between NEMT and an ambulette?

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NEMT is the broader category that includes both ambulatory transportation (standard sedans or wagons) and wheelchair-accessible ambulettes. An ambulette is a specific type of NEMT vehicle equipped with a hydraulic lift or ramp and four-point securement for wheelchairs.

What kinds of wheelchairs can your vehicles accommodate?

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Our wheelchair-accessible vehicles accept standard manual wheelchairs and most power wheelchairs and scooters. We use four-point securement systems that meet ADA standards. For very large bariatric chairs or unusual configurations, please describe your equipment when booking so we can confirm fit.

Can patients on oxygen ride with you?

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Yes. We routinely transport passengers using portable oxygen concentrators and oxygen cylinders. Please mention oxygen use when booking so the driver is prepared and seating is configured appropriately.

Can you transport bariatric passengers?

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Yes. Our wheelchair-accessible vans accommodate bariatric passengers and bariatric mobility equipment. For very large capacity needs, please describe the situation at booking so we can confirm the correct vehicle.

Do you offer recurring transportation for dialysis patients?

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Yes. Dialysis is our largest recurring service category. We set up standing orders for your three-times-weekly schedule, assign consistent drivers when possible, and coordinate directly with your dialysis center.

Does Medicaid cover dialysis transportation?

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Yes. Dialysis is a Medicaid-covered medical service, and the transportation to and from dialysis appointments is covered through MAS. Standing orders for your recurring schedule can be set up through MAS so you don't have to call before every trip.

Will the driver wait during my dialysis treatment?

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Most dialysis trips use a drop-off / return-pickup model rather than driver wait time. The driver drops you off, and a vehicle returns at the scheduled pickup time after treatment. Your dialysis center will coordinate the pickup window with us.

Do you provide recurring rides for chemotherapy and radiation?

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Yes. Like dialysis, chemo and daily radiation are recurring services. We set up standing orders, assign consistent drivers when possible, and coordinate with your oncology center. Drivers are trained to handle post-treatment fatigue and nausea.

How do you protect immunocompromised passengers?

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For passengers undergoing chemotherapy, transplant care, or other treatments that suppress immune function, our vehicles follow enhanced cleaning protocols between trips. Mask wearing by the driver is available on request. We can also avoid back-to-back trip pairings with passengers showing symptoms of illness.

Can family members or caregivers ride along with seniors?

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Yes. We strongly encourage family members or home health aides to ride with senior passengers, especially for first appointments, cognitively impaired passengers, or post-discharge trips. Companion seating is included at no extra cost.

Can you transport patients with dementia or cognitive impairment?

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Yes. Our drivers receive sensitivity training for passengers with dementia, Alzheimer's, and other cognitive conditions. For these passengers we strongly recommend a family member or aide ride along. Please mention any cognitive concerns at booking so we can assign an experienced driver.

Can you pick up from memory care facilities or assisted living?

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Yes. We work with many assisted living and memory care facilities across Long Island. We can pick up directly from the facility, coordinate with facility staff for handoff, and return the passenger to the same staff member upon completion.

Do you coordinate directly with hospital discharge planners?

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Yes. We have established relationships with case management and discharge planning teams at most Long Island hospitals. Hospital social workers and case managers can call us directly at (516) 754-7777 to arrange same-day discharge transportation.

Can you do same-day hospital discharges?

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Yes. Same-day discharge is one of our core capabilities. Call (516) 754-7777 as soon as discharge timing is known; the more notice we have, the more flexible the pickup window.

Can my hospital case manager call to arrange my discharge transport?

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Yes. Hospital case managers, social workers, and discharge planners can arrange transportation on a patient's behalf. We accept the booking, confirm the timing, and follow up directly with the floor.

How much does long-distance medical transportation cost?

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Long-distance trips are quoted individually based on round-trip mileage, vehicle type (ambulatory or wheelchair-accessible), and time required. Trips to NYC specialty centers typically range $200–$400 round trip; longer trips quoted on request.

Can you do overnight or multi-day long-distance trips?

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Yes, for special situations. Overnight transports — for example, family transfers to upstate care facilities — are quoted individually and typically require a deposit. Call (516) 754-7777 to discuss specifics.

Do you provide recurring rides to physical therapy?

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Yes. Most PT patients attend two or three times per week for several weeks. We set up standing orders to match your PT schedule and bill the appropriate carrier — Medicaid, private pay, workers' compensation, or no-fault auto.

What kind of vehicle do you use for post-surgery pickups?

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For post-surgery pickups we use wheelchair-accessible vehicles by default — they have more room, lower step-in heights, and accommodate crutches, walkers, knee scooters, and IV poles. Drivers know to load gently, avoid sharp acceleration or braking, and assist with seat positioning.