If you or an older family member need durable medical equipment to remain safe at home, the out-of-pocket costs can feel overwhelming. Many families assume they must pay full retail price for essential items like mobility aids, specialized beds, or bathing equipment, but several established public and community programs exist to help.
This page explains the primary ways to secure medical gear at no charge or reduced cost, details the coverage landscape, outlines what items are typically available, and helps you identify trustworthy local sources. The Eldercare Locator can help you find local services.
Start here
If you have insurance such as Medicare, Medicaid, or VA benefits, your first step is to visit your doctor and ask for a written prescription describing the item as medically necessary for daily use inside the home. See the Medicare.gov equipment coverage page for more information. If insurance is not an option or does not cover what you need, your most reliable next step is to call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit eldercare.acl.gov to connect with nearby community resources.
The main ways to get equipment
- Medicare Part B. Coverage applies to medically necessary gear prescribed by an enrolled doctor for home use, as explained in our guide to what medical equipment Medicare covers.
- Medicaid programs. State-administered rules cover medical equipment based on individual health needs, allowing dual-eligible individuals to pay little or nothing out of pocket.
- VA health care. Enrolled military veterans can receive mobility aids, daily living devices, and necessary home gear directly through their medical benefits.
- Medicare hospice benefit. Patients enrolled in hospice care receive illness-related equipment, such as specialized beds, at no cost or very minimal charge.
- Medical equipment loan closets. Local charities, faith groups, and community centers operate lending rooms, and our guide explains what is a loan closet.
- Assistive technology reuse programs. Every state provides inventory reassignment, and you can explore assistive technology reuse programs for refurbished devices.
- Condition-specific nonprofits. Organizations supporting individuals with conditions like ALS or muscular dystrophy often lend adaptive devices directly to families in need.
- Community exchange networks. Neighborhood sharing groups and online giveaways offer free pre-owned items, provided you carefully inspect each piece for safety, structural integrity, and proper weight capacity.
Equipment by type
- Manual wheelchairs. Learn how community donations work in our overview of free wheelchair programs, or review the medical eligibility criteria with our guide on how to qualify for a free wheelchair.
- Power wheelchairs. Motorized mobility requires an in-person clinical exam proving standard aids are unsafe, as detailed in our guide to getting a free electric wheelchair for seniors.
- Walkers and rollators. Standard mobility frames are frequently available through insurance or local donation programs covered in where to get a walker.
- Hospital beds. Insurance pays for prescribed medical home setups, and you can read our full review on whether you can get a hospital bed.
- Mobility scooters. Explore alternative funding and strict coverage rules by reviewing our resource on free mobility scooters.
- Adjustable beds. Standard comfort frames are usually excluded by insurance, but alternative solutions exist under our advice for free adjustable beds.
- Short-term device loans. For temporary recoveries, see our full breakdown explaining where to borrow medical equipment.
What to have ready before you call
- A signed prescription or clinical note from your doctor detailing your medical necessity and diagnosis.
- Your insurance cards, including Medicare, Medicaid, or private supplemental plan identification numbers.
- Accurate height and weight measurements of the person who will use the medical gear.
- Room and doorway dimensions to ensure larger items like beds or transport chairs can fit safely.
- A clear description of specific physical limitations, such as difficulty standing or balance challenges.
Watch for scams
Legitimate organizations never ask for an upfront application fee to receive medical equipment. Hang up immediately if an unknown caller promises free motorized gear without requiring a doctor visit, or asks for your Medicare card numbers over the telephone. Real assistance programs require verified medical documentation before issuing any durable equipment.
If you do not qualify
When insurance denies coverage and local donation closets run out of stock, direct retail purchase may be the fastest route forward. Researching independent customer evaluations can save money, so check our guides to wheelchairs for older adults and walkers for seniors to make an informed choice. Buying pre-owned items from trusted online marketplaces or local classifieds can also dramatically cut down your household expenses.
Program rules are set federally but run locally, vary by state, and change; confirm all details with your local agency.