Free Mobility Scooters: Resources For Stroke Victims

Mobility scooters are a great way to help stroke victims maintain an active and independent lifestyle. They can be expensive, however, and often cost between $600 and $4,000. Thankfully, there are several ways to obtain a free mobility scooter. Medicare, charities, and other organizations provide financial assistance to help the mobility-impaired access mobility aids. Medicare Part B, for example, covers 80% of the cost of a mobility scooter, provided it is deemed medically necessary by a Medicare-approved doctor. Medicaid, insurance companies, grants, and charities are also potential sources of funding. Additionally, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers funding programs for qualifying veterans. Obtaining a free mobility scooter may require some paperwork, but it is well worth the effort to improve the quality of life for those with mobility issues.

Medicare Part B

To qualify for a mobility scooter under Medicare Part B, you must have a face-to-face meeting with a doctor, and the doctor will need to consider the use of a walker, cane, or manual wheelchair before prescribing a mobility scooter. The doctor will then need to create a prescription that informs Medicare of the necessity of the scooter.

You must also meet the following criteria:

• Have a health condition that makes it difficult to move around in your home.
• Experience difficulties with daily activities, such as using the bathroom or getting dressed.
• Have a home that is large enough to accommodate scooter use.

If you qualify for Part B, you will need to purchase your scooter from a qualified DME supplier that accepts the assignment cost from the federal government. Both your DME supplier and your doctor must be enrolled in Medicare for you to qualify for a fully covered scooter.

If you do not meet the requirements to qualify for Medicare Part B, you can still purchase a mobility scooter online. Electric mobility scooters are available in three types: travel mobility scooters, affordable 3-wheel scooters for adults, and 4-wheel mobility scooters. These can range in price from $750 to $2,000.

Medicaid

To get a mobility scooter from Medicaid, you will need to talk to your doctor or physician. They will assess whether a mobility scooter is the best assistive device for you. If you are unable to get around or perform daily tasks without assistance, and a walker or cane is not adequate, your doctor may prescribe a mobility scooter. A prescription from a doctor is necessary for Medicaid to cover the cost of a mobility scooter.

Each state's Medicaid program has its own rules, and eligibility requirements vary, so it is important to contact your local Medicaid office to inquire about assistance. To apply for Medicaid and find out if you qualify for mobility scooter coverage, you will need to schedule an appointment and bring photo identification, copies of your insurance policies, proof of your current income, and Medicaid status. You will also need a letter from your physician explaining how a mobility scooter would benefit your medical condition.

Charities and grants

Numotion Foundation:

The Numotion Foundation provides financial assistance to individuals who need mobility scooters and wheelchairs. They offer an Equipment Loan Closet program that provides various types of equipment, including mobility scooters, to individuals with ALS.

Muscular Dystrophy Association:

The Muscular Dystrophy Association provides equipment assistance to individuals affected by muscular dystrophy, including help in procuring mobility scooters.

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation:

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation offers various grants and programs to improve the quality of life for individuals with multiple sclerosis, including mobility aids like scooters. Their Assistive Technology Program provides grants for assistive technology, including mobility scooters.

United Spinal Association:

The United Spinal Association provides a list of available grants for persons with disabilities.

American Outreach Foundation:

The American Outreach Foundation provides free mobility chairs and scooters to veterans and those from lower-income families. To qualify, you will need a doctor's recommendation, a denial letter from your insurance company, and financial records. It is important to note that only Coachella Valley residents are eligible for this foundation's assistance.

Latter-day Saint Charities:

Latter-day Saint Charities, funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, provides free wheelchairs and other mobility aids, including scooters, to those in need. Their program aims to match mobility aids to individual needs, and eligibility may depend on your specific medical requirements, financial situation, and location.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI):

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that assists individuals with limited income and resources. SSI can help cover the cost of a mobility scooter for those who qualify. To apply, you will typically need to provide medical records, proof of income, and sometimes undergo medical examinations.

Local Resources:

Don't forget to explore local resources, such as community centers, senior centers, or disability services, which can often provide valuable information and leads on obtaining a mobility scooter. Your local Center for Independent Living (CIL) may also maintain a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) library that includes mobility scooters.

Insurance

Mobility scooters can be expensive, ranging in price from about $600 for a three-wheel travel scooter to $2,500 or more for specialty scooters. If you are a stroke survivor or are purchasing a mobility scooter for someone who has suffered a stroke, you may be wondering whether insurance will cover the cost.

In the US, Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals who are 65 or older or have certain disabilities. Medicare Part B can potentially cover medical supplies, including power wheelchairs and mobility scooters. To qualify for a mobility scooter through Medicare, you must meet certain conditions. These include having a reasonable need for a mobility device, intending to use the scooter primarily in your home, and receiving an in-person examination and written prescription from your doctor. Medicare may cover up to 80% of the cost of a mobility device.

Private insurance plans may also cover a portion of the cost of a mobility scooter. The process for obtaining a scooter through private insurance can be long and tedious, and you will need a prescription from a licensed medical professional. You must also prove that a mobility scooter will improve your mobility better than a wheelchair, walker, or cane. It's important to note that insurance may only cover certain makes and models of scooters and may not cover additional accessories.

If you are a military veteran, you can reach out to your local Veterans Affairs office to see if they can provide assistance in obtaining a mobility scooter. The VA may provide a free mobility scooter if you suffered a disability during your active service.

Government programs

Medicare

Medicare Part B may cover up to 80% of the cost of a mobility scooter, with the remaining 20% covered by a Medicare supplemental policy (Medigap) or Medicaid. To be eligible, you must meet specific medical conditions, such as having limited mobility and being unable to perform daily activities. A Medicare-approved doctor must also deem the scooter "medically necessary" and submit a written prescription.

Social Security

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal programs that may cover the full or partial cost of a mobility scooter. SSDI provides benefits to those who have worked and paid into social security for a certain period, while SSI assists adults and children with disabilities if their household income is below a certain limit.

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers funding programs to qualifying veterans to cover the cost of a mobility scooter. After obtaining a written prescription from a doctor, visit your local VA center, where a clinician will verify your eligibility and help you choose the best option.

Frequently asked questions