ReliaWheels Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers on qualifying, Traditional Ohio Medicaid coverage, vehicles, and cost. No jargon, and no runaround.
Getting started with NEMT
What is non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and who qualifies for it in the Cleveland and Lorain area?
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) provides safe, reliable rides to medical appointments for people who can't drive themselves or use ordinary transportation. In Cleveland, Lorain and Akron, you may qualify if you have Traditional Ohio Medicaid with a transportation benefit, are elderly or disabled, use a wheelchair, or have mobility challenges that make it hard to safely reach doctor visits, dialysis treatments, physical therapy, or other healthcare appointments. We serve Cuyahoga County, Lorain County and the surrounding areas door to door, so you never have to miss critical medical care.
How far in advance do I need to schedule my NEMT ride with ReliaWheels?
We recommend scheduling at least 48–72 hours ahead. For Ohio Traditional Medicaid rides, booking early matters even more, as your care plan may need to authorize the trip. That said, medical needs come up unexpectedly, and we'll do our best to accommodate same-day or next-day requests when we can. For recurring appointments like dialysis or chemotherapy, we can set up a standing schedule to simplify the whole thing. Call us at (440) 468-6976 to talk it through.
What should I do if I need to cancel or reschedule my NEMT appointment?
Please contact us as soon as you know, at (440) 468-6976. We ask for at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations, both to avoid potential fees and to free that slot for someone else who needs it. We know medical situations change without warning, and we'll work with you to reschedule promptly. If your appointment time moves, let us know right away and we'll adjust your pickup.
Coverage and pricing
Does Medicaid cover NEMT services in Ohio, and how do I schedule a ride?
Yes. Traditional Ohio Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation for eligible members. To schedule: contact your health plan to verify your transportation benefits, call us at (440) 468-6976 at least 48–72 hours before your appointment, and have your Medicaid number, appointment details, pickup location, and any special accommodations (such as wheelchair accessibility) ready. We work directly with Traditional Ohio Medicaid plans to handle authorization and billing, so the process stays simple for you.
How much does NEMT cost in Cleveland if I don't have Medicaid or insurance coverage?
We offer competitive private-pay rates, priced on distance, vehicle type, and the level of service you need. Standard sedan service typically runs $35–$75 for local appointments, and wheelchair-accessible transport starts around $50–$100 depending on your location. Pricing is transparent with no hidden fees, and we can arrange recurring appointments at discounted rates for dialysis, chemotherapy, or physical therapy. Call (440) 468-6976 for a personalized quote.
Vehicles and accessibility
What types of vehicles does ReliaWheels use, and can you accommodate wheelchairs?
We operate a modern fleet including wheelchair-accessible vans with wheelchair ramps, the Broda® Traversa™ transport chair, and standard sedans for ambulatory passengers. Every vehicle is ADA-compliant, regularly inspected, and equipped with safety features including GPS tracking and secure restraint systems. Whether you need bariatric transportation, wheelchair service, or standard door-to-door assistance, our professionally trained drivers provide comfortable, dignified transport throughout the Cleveland, Lorain and Akron areas.
Can ReliaWheels transport me if I use oxygen or have other medical equipment?
Yes. Our vehicles safely accommodate oxygen tanks, walkers, canes, portable medical equipment, and other assistive devices. When you book, please tell us what you'll be bringing so we can send the right vehicle and make sure your driver is prepared to help. Our wheelchair-accessible vans have ample space for equipment, and our drivers are trained in the safe handling and securement of oxygen tanks and other medical devices during transport.
Can I bring a companion or caregiver with me during my NEMT ride?
Yes, one companion or caregiver is welcome to ride along at no additional charge on most trips. Having a family member, friend, or caregiver with you can make a real difference during a medical appointment. Just let us know when you schedule so we can make sure there's room. For Medicaid-covered rides, companion policies vary by plan, so check with us if you have questions about coverage.
Service areas and availability
What areas does ReliaWheels serve, and do you provide long-distance medical transport?
Our primary service areas are Cuyahoga County, Lorain County, and Lake County. Cities served include Cleveland, Parma, Parma Heights, Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, Linndale, and Maple Heights. For long-distance needs, specialty care at Cleveland Clinic main campus, University Hospitals, or MetroHealth, or trips to facilities in Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Toledo, Columbus, or Pittsburgh, we offer pre-scheduled medical transport. Our drivers are experienced with multi-hour journeys and coordinate with healthcare facilities to make sure arrivals are on time. If you're unsure whether we serve your area, please call us at (440) 468-6976.
Is ReliaWheels available for transportation on weekends and holidays?
Yes, we drive every day of the year, holidays included. Medical needs don't follow a typical business schedule, and neither does the rest of life, so weekends and holidays also include non-medical rides: family gatherings and celebrations, religious services (with weekly recurring trips available), shopping and errands, and community activities. Booking 24–72 hours ahead helps us plan the best possible trip.
Specialized services
Does ReliaWheels provide transportation for dialysis treatments?
Yes, dialysis transportation is one of our core services. Dialysis patients need consistent, reliable transport several times a week, and that's exactly what we specialize in. We can set up a recurring schedule that lines up with your appointments so you never miss a session. Our drivers understand what dialysis patients experience, including post-treatment fatigue, and we serve all major dialysis centers throughout Cleveland, Lorain, and Northeast Ohio. We work with Traditional Ohio Medicaid to coordinate coverage.
Does ReliaWheels provide transportation for hospital discharge and post-surgery transport?
Yes, we specialize in hospital discharge transportation throughout Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. We coordinate with hospital staff for a safe, timely pickup after your procedure or inpatient stay. Our drivers are trained to assist patients who may be weak, medicated, or recovering from surgery, and we can accommodate wheelchair users, Broda® Traversa™ Chair passengers, and anyone needing oxygen or other medical equipment during transport. We serve all major Cleveland hospitals, including Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, MetroHealth, and St. Vincent Charity Medical Center.
Safety and reliability
Are ReliaWheels drivers trained and background-checked?
Absolutely. Every driver undergoes comprehensive background checks, drug screening, and verification of proper licensing and certifications. They receive specialized training in passenger assistance, safety and sensitivity, wheelchair securement, safe transport assistance, CPR and basic first aid, and defensive driving techniques. We maintain strict safety standards and evaluate our drivers regularly, so the service you get is the compassionate, professional one you deserve.
What training do ReliaWheels drivers complete?
Our drivers complete the Community Transportation Association of America's Passenger Assistance, Safety and Sensitivity (PASS) program, which is the industry standard for community and non-emergency medical transportation. They also complete the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) program covering de-escalation and crisis intervention, Red Cross CPR and AED training, Red Cross basic First Aid training, and the National Safety Council defensive driving course. Every driver passes a background check and drug screening and must maintain a valid driver's license. We use people-first language throughout: we name the person first and the condition second, because we are describing what someone has, not what they are.
How are your vehicles inspected and equipped?
Vehicles undergo pre-trip and post-trip checks every day to make sure they are safe and compliant. Each wheelchair van carries a fire extinguisher and a basic first aid kit. Wheelchairs are secured by a four-point floor anchor system, and every passenger wears a seatbelt. Vehicles are climate controlled, high-touch surfaces are disinfected regularly, and each one is fitted with a monitoring system for your safety and security.
How does ReliaWheels ensure on-time pickup and arrival for medical appointments?
Punctuality is one of our top priorities. We use GPS tracking, optimized routes, and real-time traffic information to help our drivers arrive on schedule. Our dispatch team carefully coordinates each trip based on your appointment time and travel distance, while allowing time for unexpected delays. Drivers and dispatch stay in communication throughout the day so we can quickly adjust when needed. If a delay does occur, we'll keep you informed. Our goal is to make every trip as smooth and stress-free as possible, getting you to your appointment safely, comfortably, and on time.
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