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Wheelchairs, canes, and other mobility products help provide stability, safety, accessibility, and independence. While many of these products (categorized as Durable Medical Equipment) are essential for seniors, they usually come at a steep cost. Some private health insurance plans provide full or partial coverage of these items, but some don’t.
Most seniors have Medicare. To find out if Medicare covers an item, visit https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/durable-medical-equipment-dme-coverage. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to “Is my test, item, or service covered?” and type it into the box.
You can also use Medicare’s search engine (https://www.medicare.gov/medical-equipment-suppliers/) to search for medical equipment and suppliers in your area.
After meeting the deductible (if any), original Medicare picks up 80% of the tab on certain Durable Medical Equipment as long as it’s medically necessary, the doctor and the supplier accept Medicare, and the doctor prescribes the item for home use. Unfortunately, that still leaves Medicare beneficiaries responsible for 20% of the cost. Certain Medicare Advantage plans might offer coverage of this remaining percentage for its members.
Some mobility-related products aren’t covered at all. In this case, patients must pay out of pocket for the entire cost of these items. This is called Private Pay. You can find many DME products at brick-and-mortar retailers like the pharmacy down the street or big box stores. Online, you can order from Amazon or directly from the manufacturer or distributor specializing in this type of merchandise. However, since many seniors are on fixed incomes, the Private Pay option isn’t always possible.
Medicaid (https://www.medicaid.gov/), a public health insurance program for low-income residents, might cover the cost of mobility-related DME. If your income and resources fall within the range of eligibility, you might qualify for this program. Visit https://www.medicaid.gov/about-us/where-can-people-get-help-medicaid-chip/index.html and search for a Medicaid program by state.
So, how can seniors get these much-needed mobility products for free or at a significantly lower cost?
Here are a few resources for low-cost mobility products:
Buy Used Equipment:
Hospitals, senior care centers, medical thrift stores, etc., sell used equipment.
Online: Do a Google search for used equipment or find affordable used equipment on websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Be cautious about meeting these sellers in person, and carefully inspect the equipment for signs of excessive wear. (See Important Note below.)
Brick-and-mortar thrift stores: Visit Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other thrift shops in your area, or contact them to find out if this is something they sell.
Rent It:
Many non-profit organizations, including Goodwill, Salvation Army, medical equipment banks, etc. have equipment loan programs. Use search terms like “medical loan closets” and “equipment reuse programs,” for example.
Visit https://www.goodrx.com/classes/medical-supplies-and-devices/medical-equipment-rental And scroll to “How can you find medical equipment loan programs in your area?” to search for equipment rentals in your state.
Many of these organizations lend equipment based on income eligibility, so you might need to show proof of a financial hardship.
For more information about buying or renting used equipment:
Free:
Online, you can start by Googling “free durable medical equipment near me” or “free mobility products for seniors.”
You can also find free stuff on online marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, and other freebie websites. Be cautious about these websites since you won’t know the condition of these items until you meet the seller in person.
Important Note:
Before you buy or borrow used equipment, get as much information about it as possible. Search online for possible recalls of the brand and model. When you meet the seller in person, carefully inspect the item to make sure it’s in good working condition. Does it operate properly? Does it look sturdy and safe? Is it clean/sanitized? Do the parts move smoothly? Is it a well-known quality brand?
Check for excess wear and tear:
Odors
Stains
Cracks
Rust
Missing pieces
Signs of weakness in the weld, screws, bolts, etc.
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