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DachiPlus — Medical Transportation on Long Island

Resource

Updated

Cancer patient transportation on Long Island

DachiPlus provides transportation for cancer patients in Nassau and Suffolk County to chemotherapy, radiation, and infusion appointments. Medicaid covers these trips — call MAS at 1-844-666-6270 to set up a standing order and request DachiPlus. For private pay or same-day needs, call (516) 754-7777.

Cancer treatment schedules are demanding enough without worrying about how you'll get there. Here's how transportation works for Long Island oncology patients.

What transportation options are available for cancer patients on Long Island?

Long Island cancer patients have several transportation options, depending on their insurance:

  • Medicaid NEMT — free for eligible Medicaid members. Arranged through MAS. Covers chemo, radiation, infusion, and related specialist appointments.
  • Medicare Advantage transportation benefits — many Part C plans include 24–60 one-way trips per year to medical appointments. See our Medicare Advantage guide.
  • Private pay — booked directly with DachiPlus at (516) 754-7777. Same-day availability for urgent appointments.
  • Volunteer programs — some cancer organizations and hospitals offer volunteer driver programs for patients without other options. Ask your oncology social worker.

Does Medicaid cover chemotherapy and radiation transportation?

Yes. Per New York State Medicaid NEMT policy, transportation to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, infusion therapy, and related oncology appointments is covered for active Medicaid members. The trip is arranged through MAS at 1-844-666-6270 — the patient pays nothing.

Because cancer treatment schedules are often predictable (e.g., radiation every weekday for six weeks, chemo every other Thursday), these trips are ideal candidates for standing orders, which eliminate the need to call MAS before every trip.

How do I set up recurring rides for chemotherapy or radiation?

Call MAS at 1-844-666-6270 and ask for a standing order for recurring cancer treatment transport. You'll need:

  1. Your treatment center's name and address.
  2. The treatment schedule (days of the week, appointment time).
  3. The estimated duration of the treatment course (e.g., "6 weeks of daily radiation").
  4. Your pickup address and any mobility needs.

Request DachiPlus by name when setting up the standing order — driver continuity matters for patients who are fatigued or anxious about appointments.

Your oncology center's social worker or navigator can often help initiate standing orders on your behalf — it's worth asking at your first appointment.

What should I tell DachiPlus when booking cancer treatment transport?

When calling DachiPlus at (516) 754-7777 for cancer treatment transport, please mention:

  • That this is an oncology appointment — so we assign an experienced driver.
  • Whether you will need a companion (family member or caregiver) to ride along.
  • Your mobility status — whether you walk independently, use a cane or walker, or need wheelchair assistance.
  • If you tend to be fatigued or nauseous post-treatment, so we can plan the return trip accordingly.
  • Whether the appointment has a flexible end time or a specific return pickup window.

Which Long Island cancer centers does DachiPlus serve?

DachiPlus transports patients to and from all major Long Island oncology centers, including:

  • Stony Brook Cancer Center (Stony Brook)
  • Memorial Sloan Kettering — Commack and Hauppauge locations
  • Northwell Health Cancer Institute locations across Nassau and Suffolk
  • NYU Winthrop Hospital Cancer Center (Mineola)
  • St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center (Smithtown)
  • Good Samaritan University Hospital (West Islip)
  • Long-distance trips to Memorial Sloan Kettering Manhattan, NYU Langone, and Weill Cornell

FAQ

Cancer patient transportation — FAQ

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.

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 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.

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.

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.