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As a Department of Defense TRICARE provider, we care for U.S. service members who sustain injuries or experience catastrophic illness during active duty, basic training, or while working and living on bases throughout the world.
Service members often seek — or are referred to — our experts in traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, burns and single- or multiple-limb loss. We coordinate inpatient care with the Department of Defense to make sure our military patients receive the best private rehabilitation care available while also remaining connected to resources and support from their units.
A care manager will work closely with your referring hospital, commanding officer and military point of contact to coordinate national and/or international air ambulance flights, including ground ambulance trips from the airport, as needed. If you are driving to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab from out of state, we can provide overnight parking for your vehicle through our valet service at the hospital.
What to Know About Our Military Care
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Our team works daily with the U.S. armed forces to successfully and efficiently provide world-class care to military patients. Here are common questions asked:
Will I lose my military benefits if I seek rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab?
You will remain eligible for all military benefits, pay and leave while receiving care at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Your care manager will be in regular communication with your military contacts to ensure there are no lapses in your benefits.
Is there temporary housing available for military patients/families?
There are a variety of temporary housing options available, all within a short walk or cab ride to the hospital. There are a large number of hotels in the neighborhood ranging in price. There are also several extended stay hotels that offer kitchenette suites and are set up for longer stays. Furnished one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments can be rented through Chicago’s network of corporate housing companies.
Will I need an air ambulance or can I travel commercially?
Your referring physician and treatment team will assess the safest way for you to travel to Chicago. Once they have determined what is medically appropriate, your care manager will work with your referring treatment team to coordinate the flight; any accompanying medical personnel; air ambulance; and/or ground transit as needed.