How to Get Free Transportation to Dialysis on Long Island

Who Qualifies for Free Dialysis Rides in Nassau and Suffolk

Free dialysis transportation on Long Island is a Medicaid benefit for members who have no safe way to get to treatment on their own. Because kidney failure means three sessions a week, most of the year, NY Medicaid treats dialysis as a clear medical need and covers the ride at no cost to eligible members. Eligibility usually hinges on active Medicaid, a treatment at a covered center, and confirmation that you don't have a reliable driver. Income tests such as the federal poverty level already determine whether you qualify for Medicaid itself — once you're enrolled, the transportation benefit rides along with it. If you're unsure whether you're covered, our guide on who qualifies for Medicaid transportation walks through the details, and Medicaid transportation eligibility in NY covers the fine print. Patients across every Suffolk hamlet — from Bay Shore to Coram — and every Nassau village qualify under the same statewide rules. Learn more about coverage on our Medicaid coverage page, and see how the program works locally through our dialysis patient services.

How to Book Free Dialysis Transport Through MAS

The way to unlock free dialysis rides is to call MAS (Medical Answering Services), New York's Medicaid transportation manager for Long Island. The NYS Medicaid transportation phone number for our region is 1-844-666-6270 — call it, verify your eligibility, and request DachiPlus by name so we're assigned to your trips. New York asks for at least 72 hours' notice, but dialysis is the easiest case: MAS can create a standing order that covers every session for weeks at a time, so you never re-book before each ride. Have your Medicaid CIN, the dialysis center's address, and your weekly schedule ready. Our step-by-step guide to booking Medicaid transportation in NY and the detailed MAS Medicaid guide make the call quick. To understand the mechanics behind the benefit, read how our Medicaid process works. Whether you dialyze at Fresenius Bay Shore, DaVita Smithtown, or Fresenius Coram, the booking steps are identical — MAS assigns the trip and DachiPlus handles the driving throughout Nassau and Suffolk.

Wheelchair and Ambulette Dialysis Rides — Still Free

If you use a wheelchair, Medicaid still covers your dialysis transportation at no cost when the mode is medically justified. Dialysis leaves many patients weak or unsteady afterward, so a plain sedan isn't always safe — you may need wheelchair transportation on Long Island with transfer-to-seat help or a fully secured chair. DachiPlus provides both, and arranges ambulette-level rides through licensed WAV partners when required. This is different from calling private wheelchair taxis, which aren't billed to Medicaid; our NEMT vs. ambulette comparison and ambulette service page explain the distinction. The right level of service is documented on your MAS order, so post-treatment fatigue is handled from the moment you leave the chair to the moment you're home in Brentwood, Central Islip, or Huntington Station. Families often ask about the difference between a van and an ambulance — our wheelchair van explained resource clears that up. The goal is the same for every mobility level: a safe, no-cost ride that gets Nassau and Suffolk dialysis patients to every session on time.

Low-Cost Dialysis Rides If You Don't Have Medicaid

If you aren't on Medicaid, you still have several low-cost or covered paths to dialysis transportation across Long Island. Many Medicare Advantage coverage plans include a set number of routine medical rides each year — check your plan's supplemental benefits, and see our overview of Medicare Advantage transportation benefits. If your kidney care is tied to an auto accident, no-fault auto coverage may pay for transport; if it's connected to long-term care, review long-term care insurance coverage. Veterans should check VA Community Care benefits. When none of those apply, private pay is straightforward — DachiPlus accepts credit, debit, HSA, and FSA cards, and our wheelchair transport cost guide and money-saving tips help you plan. Whatever the payer, our dedicated dialysis transportation service keeps residents of Bohemia, Deer Park, and Lake Ronkonkoma on their treatment schedule without missing a session.

Setting Up Standing Trips to Your Long Island Dialysis Center

The smartest move for recurring treatment is a standing order, so you book once and ride reliably three times a week. Dialysis schedules rarely change, which is exactly why MAS and DachiPlus prefer recurring trips over one-off bookings — it protects your seat and prevents last-minute scrambling. When you set it up, confirm your center's exact location, whether it's DaVita Selden, Fresenius Commack, Fresenius Lindenhurst, or another site, plus your shift time and any mobility needs. DachiPlus serves the full Suffolk County service area and Nassau County service area, running Monday through Saturday from 6 AM to 8 PM to match early and mid-day dialysis shifts. Our broader non-emergency medical transportation covers follow-ups, labs, and specialist visits too, and the local Long Island dialysis transportation resource answers scheduling questions. If you or a caregiver ever need to adjust a trip — say, a shift change from a Bay Shore center to one in Babylon — a quick call keeps the standing order accurate and your rides free-flowing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dialysis transportation really free with Medicaid in New York?

For eligible Medicaid members in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, there is no out-of-pocket cost for dialysis rides. New York Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation to and from a covered treatment when you book through MAS (Medical Answering Services) and request DachiPlus by name.

How far ahead do I have to book a free dialysis ride?

New York's Medicaid transportation program generally asks for at least 72 hours' notice. Because dialysis follows a fixed weekly schedule, MAS can set up standing (recurring) trips so you don't have to call before every session.

What is the NYS Medicaid transportation phone number?

For Long Island, call MAS (Medical Answering Services) at 1-844-666-6270 to arrange Medicaid dialysis transportation. Ask specifically for DachiPlus so we're assigned to your standing order.

Can I get free dialysis rides if I use a wheelchair?

Yes. Medicaid covers wheelchair-accessible dialysis transport when medically justified. DachiPlus offers transfer-to-seat service and secures wheelchairs in the vehicle, and can arrange ambulette-level rides through licensed WAV partners.

What if I don't have Medicaid — can dialysis rides still be low-cost?

If you have Medicare Advantage, long-term care insurance, or no-fault auto coverage, dialysis transport may be included or reimbursable. Private-pay rides are also available. Call (516) 754-7777 to review your options.

Sources

• NY State Dept. of Health — Medicaid for Members
• Medical Answering Services (MAS) — NY Medicaid Transportation Manager
• Medicaid.gov — Medicaid Benefits Benefit