Home Medical Equipment Assistance

The rising cost of medical bills and prescriptions is putting many Americans in a downward slope of debt and despair. Individuals who are older or have disabilities and are in need of home medical equipment are having trouble affording these aids. Insurance will typically help pay for some of these items but with little or no insurance at all; these assistive technology devices can be unaffordable. There are resources for those who cannot purchase these items on their own.

What are the types of home medical equipment?

• Wheelchairs (manual and power)
• Scooters
• Walkers
• Canes and crutches
• Portable commodes
• Transfer benches
• Stair lifts
• Lift Chairs
• Shower chairs, transfers, stools, and wall grab bars
• Elevated toilet seats
• Hospital beds
• Portable oxygen
• Infusion pumps
• Nebulizers

Free Equipment:

• American Wheelchair Mission: https://amwheelchair.org/

• Durable Medical Equipment Aid Society: http://www.thedme.org/home

• FODAC: http://www.fodac.org/programs/durable-medical-equipment/

• Free-Foundation: http://www.free-foundation.org/equipment

• Free Wheelchair Mission: https://www.freewheelchairmission.org/

• MedGift Registry: https://www.medgift.com/
• Medical Equipment Bank: http://medicalequipmentbank.org/free-medical-equipment-supplies/
• St. Louis Health Equipment Lending Program: http://stlhelp.org/how-we-help/
• Wheelchair Foundation: https://www.wheelchairfoundation.org/programs/wheelchair-cycle/

Low Cost Equipment/Rentals:

• 1-800-Wheelchair: http://www.1800wheelchair.com/category/manual-wheelchairs/
• Affordable Med Mart: http://affordablemedmart.com/
• Affordable Medical USA: http://affordablemedicalusa.com/
• Different Needz: http://www.differentneedz.com/
• Equipment Restoration Center: http://www.neatmarketplace.org/equipment/index.asp
• Low Cost Medical Supply: http://www.locostmedicalsupply.com/
• Silver Cross: https://www.silvercross.com/
• Used Home Medical Equipment: http://www.usedhme.com/

 

Medicare:

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers power operated vehicles, such as scooters, as well as walkers and wheelchairs. This is considered DME, or durable medical equipment. A doctor must submit a written order on a condition stating the need for these types of equipment. Usually, Medicare will pay 80% of the Medicare approved amount, after the Part B deductible has been met. If you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan like HMO or PPO, contact your provider to find out about costs and suppliers. Rent or own options are available. Visit http://www.medicare.gov/supplier or call 1-800-633-4227.