How to Get free Durable Medical Equipment – The cost of durable medical equipment is a significant barrier for low-income families and individuals who want to access good quality healthcare facilities. Whether it is diagnostic tools, devices for home use, or monitoring equipment the cost of these essential equipment and supplies can be prohibitive for a lot of families. Fortunately, the government and nonprofit organizations exist to help those in need and enable them to cover the significant cost of medical equipment.
The government and nongovernment organizations provide financial aid and grants to individuals who are unable to afford the necessary medical equipment needed to manage their chronic medical condition or to stay safe at their own home due to an injury or illness. This article will throw light on government programs and charities that help people with medical equipment needs.
Highlights of this Post
What Are Medical Equipment?
Medical equipment, supplies, and tools are critical to saving a person’s life and assist in performing a medical procedure. These devices include electronic monitoring systems, scratch, and many other supplies. While getting the right and free medical equipment one needs to find a good provider. This guide will cover government programs and nonprofit organizations which provide medical equipment to people and hospitals and assist to improve the healthcare system of America.
How To Find Free Durable Medical Equipment?
There are various Government Grants To Pay Off Debt and charities throughout the United States of America that help people and families with free and durable medical equipment so that they can live long and independent lives. To find the right program or charity as per your medical condition you need to make a comprehensive list of the equipment that you need for instance wheelchairs, hearing aids, crutches, vision aids, walkers, Hospital beds, anything else that you need in your day-to-day life. The top sources to find free durable medical equipment are as follows
- Federal funded programs like Medicare, Medicaid
- State Assistance Programs
- Nonprofits and private foundations
What Are The Available Government Programs That Help People With Free Durable Medical Equipment?
Following is the list of Government Grants for Struggling Families that help people with free medical equipment.
Medicare
The federal funded Medicare or other private health insurance programs cover a significant cost of durable and home medical equipment. The Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) may contribute and help people to purchase medical equipment however it has restrictive eligibility criteria.
Medicare Part B that offers medical coverage is more likely to assist people with the cost of medical equipment and supplies. In either case candidates have to meet the co-payment requirements. The Durable Medical Equipment Coverage DME by Medicare Part B covers blood sugar meters, scratches, hospital beds, canes, continuous positive airway pressure machines, patient lifts, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, pressure reducing support surfaces, blood sugar test strips, oxygen equipment and accessories, nebulizer and nebulizer medications.
Medicaid and HCBS Waivers
The joint federal and state-funded Medicaid program helps people to cover the cost of home medical equipment and supplies, often covering 100% of the cost. HCBS Waiver of the Medicaid program is designed only for individuals and families belonging to extremely low-income groups.
They are also required to meet income, assets, and resource requirements set by the government. There are various Medicaid programs including Medicaid waiver programs and each has different benefits and eligibility criteria related to durable medical equipment. To learn details about Medicaid or state-specific HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) waiver information visit the official Medicaid website.
Veterans Health Care and VA Insurance
Elderly veterans and military members can cover the cost of medical equipment and supplies with the assistance of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The department assists senior citizens either through grants, assistance programs, or insurance and helps them to reduce their economic burden if they are unable to afford necessary medical equipment out of their pocket.
Financial assistance comes in the form of Medicare copayments, actual medical supplies, equipment, and cash support. Assistance to elderly materials comes from different sources within the Department of Veterans Affairs such as VD-HCBS, CHAMPVA for Life, HISA, TRICARE for Life, and many more grants. Visit the official Veterans Affairs website to learn how to receive assistance for durable medical equipment
State Grants That Help With Free Durable Medical Equipment
Apart from assistance with Medicaid programs, every state offers supportive services and assistance to disabled and elderly individuals who are in urgent need of durable or home medical equipment. Moreover, a lot of states in America have assistance programs and grants designed specifically to keep individuals and families off of Medicaid programs.
The non-Medicaid programs of the state government assist individuals and families by providing the much-needed financial support for home or durable medical equipment. This way the state government also saves money by helping people pay for home or durable medical equipment and enable them to remain in their homes independently otherwise they have to spend more for nursing home care. For instance
- Alaska Senior Access Program Hawaii
- Support Program or AFCSP
- Assistive Technology/Home
- Supported Living Program Nebraska
- Home Modification Program
- Home Programs For Adults
- Foundation Loan Program Kentucky
- Foundation (PATF) Pennsylvania Access
- Community Living Program Iowa
- Persons and Family Support New Jersey
- Home and Family Support Utah
Organizations And Charities That Help People With Free Durable Medical Equipment
In many parts of the United States of America, hospitals are running on low medical supplies and people need medical equipment which is completely affordable for them. The lack of appropriate medical equipment makes it difficult for healthcare providers and patients to give and get the best care.
Fortunately, charities are available throughout America that help people with medical equipment and enable them to access life-saving diseases. Following is the list of Charitable organizations that help pay medical bills and medical equipment.
Easter Seals
The nonprofit organization Easter Seals is widely known for providing healthcare assistance for people living with disabilities. The organization offers a wide range of assistance and services like assistive technology including wheelchairs, mobility aids, walkers, and necessary medical equipment and supplies to disabled people.
The website of the organization offers an online application for people who are looking for financial assistance. The eligibility criteria to receive assistance from Easter Seals will be based on the medical diagnosis and the cost of the medical equipment.
Project C.U.R.E
Project Cure comes with the Essential Medical Supplies Kits Program. C.U.R.E. Kits are pre-packed suitcase-sized kits containing basic medical supplies that can be transported easily and comprise exam supplies, personal hygiene items, wound care, critical supplies, and many other items that are lacking in most clinics in developing countries but are important for medical care.
Every pre-packed C.U.R.E. Kits comprise $2000 worth of donated medical supplies. Those looking for free medical supplies from the organization have to fulfill the application procedures set by the organization and give answers to free questions. You are also required to pay a donation of $200 as a result of the procurement, storage, and administration costs of the program.
MedSurplus Alliance
The Charity Surplus Alliance was established to lower healthcare costs by recycling medical supplies and equipment. The donation of unused and surplus medical equipment enables the charity to make them available to needy individuals and healthcare providers at low cost, especially those who lack access to the equipment and are in urgent need.
The charity itself donates medical equipment directly or through participating institutions like clinics and hospitals. They also accept monetary contributions for purchasing medical equipment. In 2022 the charity provided worth $183,000,000 in life-saving medical equipment, supplies, and medications to underserved communities in 57 countries across the globe with the assistance of 1214 partners
MedShare
A nonprofit organization Met Share offers free medical equipment and supplies to needy families and individuals who are unable to afford it. The organization works throughout the United States of America, accepts donations of medical equipment and even covers the repair cost for damaged medical equipment.
The donated medical equipment is distributed to people free of cost based on their needs and eligibility criteria. The organization accepts new medical equipment and provides them to individuals who are unable to afford second-hand medical equipment.
Convalescent Aid Society (CAS)
The Convalescent Aid Society is a popular nonprofit organization that offers financial assistance to individuals suffering from chronic illness who are unable to purchase equipment that they need urgently to manage their health condition. The charity has donation centers in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York.
The charity donates equipment including wheelchairs, scratches, hospital beds, walkers, and other medical items. The organization accepts funds on behalf of other NGOs and organizations that provide free medical equipment and sets up eligibility criteria for how it accepts donations and distributes the equipment to those in need.
Some of the free medical equipment that you can receive are canes, bathing aid equipment, toileting aids, hospital beds and mattresses, canes, crutches, wheelchairs, personal care, and patient rooms.
Samaritan’s Purse
People who are suffering from a condition that prevents them from working can receive assistance from the Samaritan’s Purse Medical Equipment Fund. The charity provides workers with wheelchairs, scratches, mobility devices and other equipment.
They also provide medical equipment like hearing aids, glasses, hygiene supplies, and home health items to people completely free. The organization accepts in-kind donations of medical equipment and supplies as well as monetary donations.
Afya Foundation
A nonprofit organization known as Afya Foundation offers durable medical equipment to individuals and families throughout the World. The foundation collects unused equipment and supplies throughout the New York Metro Area and gives the equipment a second life.
The charity accepts donations of medical supplies and equipment and distributes them completely free to needy people. The foundation also provides training to people on how to use the equipment to improve their health.
The motto of the organization is to divert donated and collected medical supplies and equipment from being discarded and delivering them to compromised or underserved health systems across the globe.
Brothers Brother
The objective of the charity Brothers Brother Foundation is to emphasize international health and education and incorporate effective and efficient distribution and provision of donated educational, medical and other important resources.
The programs of the organization are designed to help people connect with the right resources and meet their needs. If you’re looking for free durable medical equipment then you can visit the official website and collect donated medical equipment for free.
International Medical Relief Foundation
International Medical Relief Foundation collects unused and surplus medical equipment and supplies and distributes them to developing countries worldwide. The charity is being managed and administered by a group of Rotarians and non-Rotarians situated in New York State.
The charity works as a clearing house and even recycles outdated and surplus surgical and medical goods from clinics, hospitals, individual physicians and manufacturers. They then ship the equipment and goods to developing countries that are in urgent need of medical equipment. They assist in reducing medical waste while boosting the health of low-income communities worldwide.
MAP International
A nonprofit organization that provides health supplies and medicines to needy people around the world is MAP International. The organization makes it possible for needy individuals and families to experience their life to the fullest. The organization serves all individuals irrespective of their religion, race, gender, ethnic background, or nationality.
Some of the programs that the organization runs in the healthcare sector are Mental Health Program, Rare Disease Program, Long-term Health Development Program, domestic medicine program, chronic disease program, Nutrition, and Vitamin Program, Neglected Tropical Disease Program, Bringing Children Healthy Pediatric Antibiotics Program, Malnutrition, and Oral Rehydration Solution Program, etc.
The Domestic Medicine Program assists people with necessary medical equipment and supplies from MAP International.
Medical Bridges
The organization of Medical Bridges recovers surplus medical equipment and supplies that would otherwise be discarded and then distributes them to the clinics from healthcare providers and hospitals in less fortunate countries. The objective of the organization is to bridge the healthcare gap and assist people belonging to low-income countries who are unable to access needy medical equipment.
InterVol, Recycling of Unused Medical Supplies (RUMS)
The Rochester-based nonprofit organization InterVol, Recycling of Unused Medical Supplies (RUMS) is dedicated to serving people and families through the recovery and redistribution of medical equipment and supplies. The organization tries to bridge the local hospitals and healthcare professionals with countries and caregiving organizations that need assistance and provide international medical educational support.
MediSend International
MediSend International Programs are designed specifically to cater to the challenges and needs of developing countries and hospitals and provide them with education and certified training in biomedical equipment technology, providing technical support, and distributing biomedical equipment and medical supplies.
Med-Eq
Med-Eq, A free service organization in the United States of America that specializes in matching donors with nonprofit organizations and charities and helping them with medical equipment is Med-Eq. Some of the items provided by the organization are inventory supplies and bandages. To learn more information visit https://www.med-eq.org/.
Alliance for Smiles
Alliance for Smiles is The nonprofit organization, Alliance for Smiles takes donations of excess medical equipment and supplies and distributes them through the underserved communities of people who are in urgent need but are unable to afford them. The organization assists people with different types of medical equipment such as surgical, dental, pediatric, and biomedical.
Triumph Foundation Grants and Equipment
Triumph Foundation has given free strong clinical hardware or Financial help to many poor families till now. Assets like shower wheelchairs, urological supplies, power wheelchairs, and a lot more are made accessible to the less-blessed by this association through their free sturdy clinical gear program. They additionally give free clinical supplies to the crippled and seniors.
Triumph Foundation acts as an arbiter between the giver and the individual out of luck. This foundation is known for its projects that assist individuals with getting strong clinical hardware. Their free sturdy clinical gear and free clinical supplies program has helped numerous patients out of luck.
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) Durable Medical Equipment
FODAC is an association that gives free sturdy clinical gear to grown-ups and youngsters. They have been accomplishing this foundation work for the last 25 years. Much the same as Triumph Foundation, FODAC also gives away gifts. Over the range of 25 years, they have been giving clinical supplies and free clinical hardware for the crippled and old through these gifts as it were. You have to show them your state ID, driver’s permit, or your Medicaid/Medicaid card. Assets like corner seats, buggies, wheelchairs, step coaches, aids for bathing, treatment associates, sticks, washing help, emergency clinic beds, and a lot more are covered under their free solid clinical hardware program.
The American Medical Resources Foundation
The American Medical Resources Foundation gives free clinical supplies to the residents of America. It is a gift based association where repaired hardware and supplies are given and given to the penniless and less-lucky class of individuals. To get the free clinical supplies given by them you would be needed to fill an application expressing the gear or supplies that are required and the purpose behind utilizing these assets alongside the portrayal of your monetary status.
Advocates for World Health Medical Equipment
Advocates for World Health is an NGO. It aims to give free clinical supplies while making sure that there is no increment in waste creation and there is an imminent improvement in medical care in the United States of America all over the world. It advances the reuse of clinical supplies to help the consideration of less blessed and destitute people. You can reach them over their site or visit their authority work environment to get free sturdy clinical hardware and free clinical supplies. An immense number of givers is related to the association because of which it is never an issue of absence of assets in this association.
Ministry of Health Support for the Disabled For Medical Equipment
The Ministry of Health Support for the Disabled helps with purchasing gadgets and loan benefits that offer clinical hardware for the handicapped. The organization gives free clinical gear to the incapacitated if the candidate has a lasting disability and requires medical hardware to handle everyday lives more easily.
Direct Relief International Durable Medical Equipment
Direct Relief International is another NGO. They give free clinical gear to the debilitated through gifts from big-hearted givers. They give an enormous number of assets under its free clinical gear program. Assets and hardware like sticks, wheelchairs, lifts, and a lot more are given by this association. They help with different clinical supplies to the people with disabilities as well as the seniors.
Other Options To Fund Medical Equipment
Tax Deductions
Home or durable medical equipment is tax deductible under the Medical and Dental Expense Tax Credit. You can get a written prescription or certificate of medical necessity from your healthcare professional to receive a tax deduction.
Alternatively, you can claim the cost of durable medical equipment with the use of the Dependent Care Tax Credit in case equipment is used to increase the ability of the recipient to function independently so that the caregiver can work.
Reverse Mortgages
In some cases getting a reverse mortgage helps people to generate funds and buy new medical equipment. For instance, when the equipment is added without significant home modification this will enable them to remain living at their home for several years.
Life Settlements
Selling a life settlement which is a type of life insurance policy will provide individuals and families with the option to receive huge amounts of cash and funds to purchase expensive home medical equipment in case they are unable to do so from the government or nonprofit organization.
Injury Settlements
A lot of individuals, especially elderly individuals, need medical equipment if they are injured in a fall or accident. In such cases, they can be eligible for reimbursement or compensation for the cost of the medical equipment including additional expenses.
Long-Term Care Insurance
There are insurance policies that cover long-term care expenses including durable or home medical equipment costs. Policyholders need to check with their insurance providers and determine if the cost of the durable medical equipment and supplies will be covered in their plan.
Local Programs
Independent living centers and local area agencies have assistance programs for elderly people and low-income individuals. There are more than thousands of local area agency organizations nationwide. If you’re looking for free medical equipment then you can contact your local area agency on aging at an independent living center near you.
Purchasing Online
Choosing durable medical equipment online will help you to avoid the difficulty in transporting the heavier bulky equipment and there are many websites online that will provide free shipping. Another option is going for used medical equipment to reduce your cost.
Read also: How To Get Free Hospital Beds For Elderly
Conclusion
Durable medical equipment is important for the well-being and care of a lot of people especially elderly and disabled individuals. Unfortunately low-income individuals and families may not afford costly medical equipment and supplies. The government of the United States of America including private foundations and nonprofit organizations provide grants and financial assistance programs to help people cover the significant cost of medical equipment if they are unable to purchase equipment for their condition. Governmental and nongovernmental organizations provide a lifeline to such people who need medical equipment and live their best possible lives. No matter whether you need a wheelchair, a walker or a respirator there are organizations and assistance available for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can we get free medical supplies for the disabled and senior citizens?
There are many associations like International Aid, Medshare, IMEC, and a lot more that try to give free clinical supplies to the impaired and seniors. To get these free clinical supplies for the handicapped and seniors you should simply contact these associations. You are needed to fill an application shape and present the important records alongside it.
Can I get used medical equipment from hospitals for free?
Yes you can request utilized clinic equipment from organizations. Different associations that are area-based give utilized clinic equipment for free to the residents that can not afford it themselves or for their relatives. Associations like Healing Hands International, Medical Bridges, MediSend International, Globus Relief, and a lot more have approached to help the penniless residents of the United States of America with utilized emergency clinic hardware for nothing.