When I found myself in a situation where I needed medical equipment that insurance wouldn’t fully cover, it was overwhelming. From wheelchairs to specialized beds, the cost of necessary medical devices can skyrocket quickly, and many families simply can’t afford them. But here’s the good news: there are charities and organizations dedicated to helping people access the medical equipment they need. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance, these organizations can be a vital lifeline.
Why Charities Help with Medical Equipment
Charities understand that access to medical equipment is crucial for people’s quality of life, independence, and health. Whether it’s providing mobility aids for the disabled or durable medical equipment for patients recovering from surgery, these organizations are designed to remove financial barriers to health and wellness.
Top Charities That Provide Medical Equipment
1. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides a wide range of assistance, including medical equipment, to those in need. They often accept donations of used medical equipment, which they refurbish and redistribute to those who need it. Availability varies by location, so it’s best to check with your local branch.
- How to Apply: Visit or call your local Salvation Army office to inquire about available equipment.
- Who Can Benefit: Low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities.
2. Goodwill Home Medical Equipment
Goodwill’s Home Medical Equipment program collects gently used medical devices and refurbishes them. These items are then offered at affordable prices, or in some cases, for free to those who qualify. Items can include everything from hospital beds to walkers, wheelchairs, and home health aids.
- How to Apply: Visit Goodwill’s Home Medical Equipment site or a participating location to see what is available.
- Who Can Benefit: Individuals who need affordable access to medical equipment.
3. Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC)
FODAC is a fantastic organization that provides free or low-cost medical equipment to adults and children with disabilities. They offer a variety of items, including wheelchairs, walkers, shower aids, and hospital beds. FODAC has served tens of thousands of people in need by ensuring they have access to the equipment necessary for daily living.
- How to Apply: Visit the FODAC website to apply for assistance or contact them directly for more details.
- Who Can Benefit: Individuals with disabilities, both children and adults, who need access to medical equipment.
4. Lions Clubs International
Lions Clubs are known for their commitment to helping communities in many ways, including through the provision of medical equipment. Some local chapters offer medical equipment loan programs, which provide wheelchairs, walkers, and other essential items to those who need them.
- How to Apply: Contact your local Lions Club to see if they participate in medical equipment loans and how to apply.
- Who Can Benefit: Anyone in need of short- or long-term access to medical devices.
5. MedShare
MedShare collects surplus medical equipment and supplies from hospitals and manufacturers, refurbishing them and redistributing them to individuals in need, both in the U.S. and abroad. While they mainly focus on providing supplies to hospitals and clinics, they sometimes offer assistance to individuals as well, especially in disaster relief situations.
- How to Apply: Visit MedShare’s website to see their programs and contact them directly for more information on individual assistance.
- Who Can Benefit: Individuals, hospitals, and clinics in need of surplus medical equipment.
6. The Recycled Equipment Donor Program (REDP)
Operated by the ALS Association, this program provides recycled medical equipment to people with ALS. The equipment is either donated or loaned to individuals at no cost, ensuring they have access to essential devices such as power wheelchairs, communication devices, and hospital beds.
- How to Apply: Contact your local ALS Association chapter to inquire about available equipment.
- Who Can Benefit: People diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
7. Chariots of Hope
Chariots of Hope focuses on providing free wheelchairs to those in need. They collect donated, gently-used wheelchairs, refurbish them, and distribute them to individuals both domestically and internationally. They also have programs to help people maintain and repair their wheelchairs.
- How to Apply: Visit Chariots of Hope’s website to learn more about their programs and submit a request for assistance.
- Who Can Benefit: Individuals in need of a wheelchair who cannot afford to purchase one.
8. Easterseals
Easterseals provides a range of services for people with disabilities, including help with medical equipment. Some local chapters offer equipment loans or grants to cover the cost of mobility devices, communication aids, and more.
- How to Apply: Contact your local Easterseals chapter to learn about available programs and assistance.
- Who Can Benefit: Children and adults with disabilities who require medical equipment.
Government Programs and Resources
In addition to the charities above, several government programs may provide assistance for medical equipment:
1. Medicaid
Medicaid can cover durable medical equipment (DME) such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, and oxygen equipment for individuals who qualify. Coverage and eligibility vary by state, so you’ll need to check with your state’s Medicaid office.
2. Medicare
Medicare Part B covers certain types of DME if it is deemed medically necessary. This can include items like walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, and more. Be sure to work with a Medicare-approved supplier to ensure coverage.
3. State Assistive Technology Programs
Most states have assistive technology programs that offer low-cost loans, grants, or free equipment for people who need medical devices but cannot afford them. These programs are often run in collaboration with non-profits and local organizations.
How to Qualify for Medical Equipment Assistance
To qualify for help from most of these charities and programs, you’ll typically need to provide:
- Proof of Financial Need: Most charities will ask for documentation showing that you are low-income or facing financial hardship.
- Proof of Medical Need: You may need to provide a prescription or a doctor’s note verifying that the equipment is medically necessary.
- Identification and Residency Proof: Many organizations require a valid ID and proof that you live in the area they serve.
Tips for Securing Medical Equipment Assistance
- Start Local: Many charities and organizations work regionally. Start by reaching out to local branches of national charities or community foundations.
- Check for Donations: Some organizations, like Goodwill and the Salvation Army, often have gently used medical equipment that has been donated.
- Ask Your Medical Provider: Sometimes hospitals and clinics can connect you with charities that provide medical equipment or have programs of their own.
- Look into Payment Plans: For equipment that isn’t fully covered by charities, some organizations offer interest-free loans or payment plans to make devices more affordable.
Final Thoughts
Getting access to necessary medical equipment shouldn’t be a financial burden, but for many, it is. Fortunately, there are a variety of charities, non-profits, and government programs dedicated to providing or covering the cost of medical equipment for those in need. Whether you’re looking for mobility aids, home healthcare devices, or specialized medical equipment, these organizations are here to help. Reach out today to start getting the support you need.