The cost of brand-new mobility aids (powerchairs, mobility
scooters, walking aids, etc.) can, unfortunately, be exorbitant. Not only that,
there is anecdotal evidence from consumers that vendors have charged inflated prices for adaptive equipment. These unscrupulous traders focus only on
their greed and heartlessly charge ridiculously high prices for mobility
products.
Have
the mobility equipment you need and save money. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
With that in mind and with household bills and other possible
medical expenses to think about, it is natural that you’d seek money-saving
alternatives. To avoid paying an arm and a leg for mobility devices, do not
purchase straight from a distributor if you can help it. Instead, take a look
at these more affordable ways of getting your mobility equipment:
Check Federal and State Grants
The US government offers Medicaid for adults. This is a federal and state program, actually the largest in the
country, for low-income citizens. Aside from being designed for adults,
children, and pregnant women, it also covers the elderly and individuals with
disabilities. So, before you buy a stairlift or a wheelchair straight from a
supplier, check first if you qualify for a government grant.
Since this program is both a federal and state initiative, the
benefits differ from state to state. However, they are comprehensive. Mandatory
benefits include home health services, inpatient hospital services,
transportation to medical care, and more. Medicaid can certainly pay for a
power wheelchair if you meet the coverage and eligibility requirements.
Those requirements vary in each state, so it is best to check with
yours for the details. Generally, you must fall within the resource and income
limits set by the government and be considered medically needy. If you are
already receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you are considered
automatically eligible for this benefit.
Take note that a power wheelchair is covered by Medicaid if you
have a medical need for it. In other words, you must obtain a prescription from
your doctor stating exactly that. To apply for this government grant, visit the
Medicaid agency in your state right away.
Approach Charities and Other Funding Assistance
Aside from government programs, you can also approach charity
institutions or other funding establishments to help you with your assistive
equipment needs. Each of these institutions has their own eligibility
requirements. If you qualify, then you need not spend a cent on your mobility
equipment.
Silver Cross, for example, provides funding
assistance for mobility equipment in the US.
You may want to contact them and other similar organizations. Look for grants
for disability equipment in your city or state as well.
They’ll likely need you to fill up a bunch of paperwork and prove
that you are eligible. Be prepared with documents from your physician or
therapist as well. It is standard procedure for charities and any organization
providing grants to require these as evidence of your need.
But once all of the paperwork and other eligibility processes are
done, you can have your mobility equipment at no charge or for a very low price
(if the grant covers only a percentage of the device’s dollar value).
Consider Mobility Equipment Rental
Renting
mobility aids and other assistive
devices is yet another great option if you wish to save money. This is
especially useful if the need for the equipment is temporary or if you are
expecting an easing of your finances in the near future. In short, there is no
need to buy right now if you don’t have to.
Erica Sell grew up in Northern California. After attending Pepperdine University and graduating from UCSD, she decided to extend her passion for helping people in need into a successful business. She created Harmony Home Medical in 2008. Erica is a Certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and Certified Aging in Place Specialist
1 comment:
People who had difficulty walking because of a spinal cord injury, limb loss or brain injury often used aids to help their mobility. These included wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, Zimmer walking frames, crutches and walking sticks. People with visual impairment used long canes. We have various type of mobility aids. Please check our site.
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