Medical equipment can be expensive, especially when a person needs a wheelchair, walker, hospital bed, oxygen equipment, CPAP machine, or another device for ongoing care.
Depending on your health needs, insurance, income, and location, help may be available through Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, nonprofit organizations, medical equipment programs, and local assistance resources.
The type of help available can vary significantly. Some programs cover equipment directly, while others may help with part of the cost, provide equipment through a rental arrangement, or connect people with refurbished or donated equipment.
Who May Qualify for Medical Equipment Assistance?
Eligibility depends on the program and the type of equipment needed.
Assistance may be available to:
- People with disabilities
- Older adults
- People recovering from an injury or illness
- People with chronic medical conditions
- Low-income individuals and families
- Medicare beneficiaries
- Medicaid beneficiaries
- People who need equipment to safely live at home
- People whose insurance does not fully cover necessary equipment
Medical necessity is often important. For example, Medicare Part B covers medically necessary durable medical equipment when an eligible provider orders it for use in the home.
Check What You May Qualify For
Finding the right source of assistance can take time, especially when different programs have different requirements.
- ✓ Free eligibility check
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Programs vary based on eligibility, location, medical needs, income, and insurance coverage.
Types of Medical Equipment Assistance
Medicare Equipment Coverage
Medicare Part B may cover medically necessary durable medical equipment, including certain wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, oxygen equipment, CPAP equipment, and other devices.
In many cases, the equipment must be prescribed or ordered by a qualified healthcare provider and obtained through an appropriate Medicare-enrolled supplier.
For covered equipment, people with Original Medicare generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting the Part B deductible when the supplier accepts assignment.
Medicaid
Medicaid is administered jointly by the federal government and states, so equipment coverage and eligibility requirements can differ by state.
For people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicaid may help with certain Medicare cost-sharing and may cover additional services or equipment depending on the state's program.
Private Health Insurance
Private insurance plans may cover certain medically necessary equipment when the equipment meets the plan's requirements.
You may need:
- A prescription
- Medical documentation
- Prior authorization
- A specific approved supplier
- Proof that the equipment is medically necessary
Check with your insurer before purchasing expensive equipment yourself.
Nonprofit and Community Assistance
Some nonprofit organizations and community programs help people obtain medical equipment through financial assistance, equipment donations, equipment loans, or refurbished devices.
Availability depends on the type of equipment and the person's circumstances.
Equipment Loan and Donation Programs
Some communities have organizations that lend or donate wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, mobility equipment, and other devices.
These programs can be especially useful when equipment is needed temporarily, such as during recovery from an injury or surgery.
Common Types of Equipment People Need Help With
Assistance may be available for different types of medically necessary equipment, including:
- Wheelchairs
- Walkers and rollators
- Canes and crutches
- Hospital beds
- Oxygen equipment
- CPAP machines
- Respiratory equipment
- Mobility scooters
- Patient lifts
- Commode chairs
- Glucose-monitoring equipment
- Prosthetic or orthotic equipment
- Other durable medical equipment
Medicare specifically lists items such as canes, commode chairs, CPAP equipment, crutches, hospital beds, oxygen equipment, walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters among covered categories when applicable requirements are met.
How Medical Equipment Assistance Typically Works
- Talk with your healthcare provider. Ask whether the equipment is medically necessary and whether a prescription or order is required.
- Check your insurance. Find out whether Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance covers the equipment.
- Ask about your out-of-pocket cost. Coverage does not always mean the equipment is completely free.
- Use an approved supplier when required. Medicare, for example, has supplier requirements for covered DME.
- Look for additional assistance. Nonprofits, community organizations, and equipment-loan programs may provide other options.
- Compare rental and purchase options. Some equipment may be rented rather than purchased outright.