Medical transportation on Long Island in Hicksville & Smithtown: the different ride types for children

The four core types of children's medical transport in Hicksville and Smithtown

There are four practical types of children's medical transportation families use across Long Island: standard seated non-emergency rides, wheelchair-accessible transport, escorted rides where a parent travels along, and Medicaid-coordinated rides arranged through MAS. Each type answers a different need. A child recovering after a procedure who can walk and sit safely usually needs standard non-emergency medical transportation. A child who uses a wheelchair needs wheelchair-accessible transport with proper securement. In Hicksville (Nassau) and Smithtown (Suffolk), the towns sit close to major hospitals like South Shore University Hospital and St. Catherine of Siena, so many pediatric follow-ups are short local trips. If you're unsure which category fits, the simplest question is: can your child walk and sit in a regular seat, or do they need to stay in their wheelchair? That single answer usually points to the right ride. Call (516) 754-7777 and describe your child's needs.

Standard seated NEMT for children's appointments

Standard seated NEMT is the most common ride for children who can walk and sit safely with a seatbelt, and it covers routine appointments in Hicksville, Smithtown, and surrounding Nassau and Suffolk towns. This is the right choice for specialist visits, lab work, imaging, and check-ups where the child does not need special medical equipment during travel. It is not an ambulance — DachiPlus does not provide emergency care, so anything urgent means calling 911. For scheduled care, a seated NEMT vehicle is comfortable and familiar. If your child needs regular trips to the same place — say weekly physical therapy at a clinic near Smithtown — you can set up recurring rides so you're not re-booking each week. Families near Hicksville often route to facilities like South Shore University Hospital, while Smithtown-area appointments may head to St. Catherine of Siena. See our full list of NEMT services to match the ride to the appointment.

Wheelchair-accessible and higher-support transport

Wheelchair-accessible transport is for children who cannot transfer easily to a standard seat and need to remain in their wheelchair, secured safely for the trip. DachiPlus offers transfer-to-seat service and wheelchair securement, and coordinates ambulette service through licensed WAV partners when a lift-equipped vehicle is required. If you're weighing the differences between vehicle types, our guide on ambulette vs. ambulance vs. wheelchair van and the plain-language wheelchair van explained both help families decide. For children with complex needs — after neurological injury or extended hospital stays — related services like traumatic brain injury transport or wound care transport may apply. Throughout Nassau and Suffolk, including Hicksville and Smithtown, we ask that you describe the child's chair type, weight, and any equipment when booking so the correct vehicle is dispatched. This avoids a last-minute mismatch on the day of the appointment. When in doubt, call (516) 754-7777 and we'll confirm the right vehicle.

How Medicaid covers children's rides — and where "free" fits

For children enrolled in Medicaid, medically necessary transportation is covered at no out-of-pocket cost when booked through MAS, which is what most families mean when they search for "free medical transportation Long Island Hicksville Smithtown." New York coordinates Medicaid NEMT through MAS (Medical Answering Services). Call 1-844-666-6270 at least 72 hours before the appointment and request DachiPlus by name. Our step-by-step booking guide and the 72-hour rule explainer walk you through timing, and the MAS Medicaid guide covers what you'll be asked. You'll want the child's Medicaid CIN number ready. Families without Medicaid use private pay (credit, debit, HSA/FSA). For county-specific detail, see Medicaid transportation in Nassau County, which covers Hicksville. Review all coverage and payment options to see what applies to your family.

Parent escorts, safety, and booking your child's ride

A parent or legal guardian must ride along with any minor, and on Medicaid rides that escort travels at no extra charge. This is the fourth "type" of children's transport in practice — the escorted ride — and it's standard for pediatric NEMT across Long Island. Before booking, jot down the child's age, mobility, any equipment, and the exact appointment address in Hicksville, Smithtown, or wherever the care happens. Our questions to ask before booking and how to choose an NEMT provider resources help you compare providers on reviews and reliability. If your child needs recurring trips — for example ongoing infusion therapy — set up a standing schedule. DachiPlus operates Monday through Saturday, 6 AM–8 PM, serving both Nassau County and Suffolk County. To book a specific date, use the book a ride page or call (516) 754-7777. For general timing help, see how to get transportation to a medical appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does DachiPlus transport children to medical appointments on Long Island?

Yes. DachiPlus provides pediatric non-emergency medical transportation across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, including Hicksville and Smithtown, for appointments like therapy, specialist visits, and hospital follow-ups. A parent or guardian must ride along. Call (516) 754-7777, or Medicaid families call MAS at 1-844-666-6270.

Can a child use Medicaid transportation on Long Island?

Yes. If a child has Medicaid, their medically necessary rides can be covered through MAS. Call MAS at 1-844-666-6270 at least 72 hours before the appointment and request DachiPlus by name. A parent or guardian escort rides with the child at no extra charge.

Is free medical transportation available for children in Hicksville or Smithtown?

For Medicaid-enrolled children, medically necessary NEMT is covered at no out-of-pocket cost when booked through MAS. Families without Medicaid can use private pay. Call DachiPlus at (516) 754-7777 to discuss options for Hicksville, Smithtown, and nearby towns.

Can a parent ride along with a child during transport?

Yes, and for pediatric rides it is required. A parent or guardian must accompany a minor. On Medicaid rides the escort travels at no additional cost. Mention the child's age and any equipment needs when you book.

What kinds of children's appointments does DachiPlus cover?

DachiPlus transports children to therapy, specialist and hospital visits, infusion, wound care, and rehabilitation appointments throughout Nassau and Suffolk. We do not provide emergency service — call 911 for emergencies.