Equip for Equality along with the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund has published a helpful brochure that guides you through some of the rules that help to prove to your public transportation agency that you are eligible for paratransit services "ADA Paratransit Eligibility: How To Make Your Case." (Word Doc)
For Persons Who Are Enrolled in Medicaid
You can receive help with transportation costs to go to a doctor or receive medical care, if you are already enrolled in the All Kids, Family Care or Medicaid program.
The non-emergency transportation program is operated by a private contractor. At least 2 (two) business days before your medical appointment you will need to:
- Call First Transit at 1-877-725-0569 and provide
- The name, address and phone number of the person needing the ride
- Your recipient identification number
- Name and address of the medical provider
- Date, time and reason for the appointment
- The name of who will be providing the transportation (if you don’t know, First Transit staff can provide a number of names in your area)
- Tell First Transit when you call if someone needs to travel with you such as your minor child, or an attendant you need
- First Transit will review the request
If approved, the transportation provider is contacted and given an approval number. First Transit will then call and:
- Tell you what kind of rides are okay
- Give you the name and phone number of the company to call and schedule the ride
- You will then need to call the company to schedule the ride
- Tell the company if someone is traveling with you
- Make sure you are on time for your ride
Family members or friends are able to also provide you transportation and could receive payment by the state. In order for them to be paid, they will need to contact the Bureau of Comprehensive Health Services with the State of Illinois 1-217-782-5565, to apply and be approved as a transportation provider.