Where to Find Free or Low-Cost Mobility Equipment
How to find mobility equipment without paying full price
Free or low-cost mobility equipment comes from four main sources: government programs that cover part or all of the cost, nonprofit organizations that distribute donated equipment, community loan closets that let you borrow temporarily, and manufacturers' patient assistance programs. The fastest route depends on whether you need something now or can wait, and whether you have insurance.
If you have Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, start there — many plans cover canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and grab bars with little or no out-of-pocket cost. If you don't have insurance or your plan won't cover what you need, nonprofit loan programs and community equipment banks often have items ready to pick up the same week you call.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare covers 80 percent of the cost of walkers, canes, wheelchairs, and grab bars if your doctor writes a prescription and you use a Medicare-approved supplier.
- Medicaid coverage varies by state, but most states cover basic mobility aids; call your state Medicaid office or check your plan documents to see what's included.
- Nonprofit equipment loan programs and community "closets" let you borrow mobility aids for weeks or months at no cost, and some let you keep items permanently.
- Manufacturers like Medline and Drive DeVilbiss run patient assistance programs that provide free equipment to people who meet income limits, though approval takes four to eight weeks.
- Local Area Agencies on Aging can tell you which programs serve your county and whether you meet their income or disability requirements.
Using insurance to cover mobility equipment
Medicare covers durable medical equipment — the official term for mobility aids — at 80 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. Your out-of-pocket cost is usually $20 to $100 per item. The equipment must be prescribed by your doctor and ordered through a Medicare-approved supplier; buying it yourself at a pharmacy and trying to get reimbursed rarely works.
To start the process, ask your doctor to write a prescription for the specific item you need (for example, "rolling walker with seat" rather than just "walker"). Then call Medicare-approved suppliers in your area — search "Medicare-approved durable medical equipment supplier" plus your city name, or ask your doctor's office which suppliers they work with. The supplier handles the paperwork with Medicare; you typically pay your share when you pick up the equipment.
Medicaid covers mobility equipment in all states, but what's covered and how much you pay varies. Call your state Medicaid office or check your plan documents to see whether canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and grab bars are included. Some states cover everything; others cover only wheelchairs and walkers. If your state Medicaid plan covers the item, you usually pay nothing or a small copay.
Private insurance plans vary widely. Check your plan documents or call your insurer's customer service line to ask what mobility aids are covered and whether you need a doctor's prescription. Many plans require prior authorization, meaning the supplier must get approval from your insurance company before ordering the equipment.
Nonprofit equipment loan programs and community closets
Community equipment loan programs — sometimes called "closets" or "banks" — let you borrow mobility aids for free or a small donation. Items typically include canes, walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, shower chairs, and grab bars. Loans usually last from a few weeks to several months, and some programs let you keep items if you can't return them.
To find a program near you, start with your local Area Agency on Aging. Call 211 (a free referral line) and ask for "equipment loan programs" or "medical equipment closets" in your county. Many programs are run by senior centers, hospitals, or disability nonprofits and keep a list of what's available. Some require you to pick up items in person; others deliver for a small fee.
A few national organizations also run equipment programs. The National Association of Disability Representatives maintains a directory of state and local programs. Some Goodwill locations and Salvation Army chapters have mobility equipment sections. Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations sometimes carry grab bars and accessibility equipment at low cost.
Equipment loan programs rarely have income limits, but some prioritize people over a certain age or with specific disabilities. Call ahead to ask what's in stock and whether there's a wait list. If the item you need isn't available, ask if they can refer you to another program or if you can be added to a waiting list.
Manufacturer patient assistance programs
Large medical equipment manufacturers run programs that provide free equipment to people who meet income limits. Medline, Drive DeVilbiss, Invacare, and Sunrise Medical all have programs, though each has different income cutoffs and application processes.
To find a manufacturer's program, search "[brand name] patient assistance program" — for example, "Medline patient assistance program." Most programs require you to fill out an application that asks about your household income and why you need the equipment. Your doctor may need to sign a form confirming the medical need. Approval typically takes four to eight weeks.
Income limits vary. Some programs serve people up to 200 percent of the federal poverty line (roughly $28,000 for a single person in 2024, though this changes yearly). Others are more generous. If you're turned down by one manufacturer, try another — a wheelchair manufacturer's program might not help, but a walker manufacturer's might.
State and local government programs
Some states and counties run their own equipment programs separate from insurance. These are less common than nonprofit programs but worth checking for.
Your state's Department of Rehabilitation Services (sometimes called Vocational Rehabilitation) may provide mobility equipment if you're working or planning to work. You typically need to be referred by a counselor, and the equipment must be related to your job. Call your state's vocational rehabilitation office to ask whether they serve your situation.
Some state Medicaid programs have special equipment funds beyond standard coverage. Your state Medicaid office can tell you whether additional funding is available for items your plan doesn't cover. A few states also run equipment programs through their aging or disability agencies; your Area Agency on Aging can tell you whether your state has one.
What to do if you need equipment right away
If you need mobility equipment within days rather than weeks, community loan programs are usually your fastest option. Call 211 or your local Area Agency on Aging and explain that you need something urgently. Many programs can tell you over the phone what's in stock and let you pick it up the same day or next day.
If nothing is available locally, ask whether the program can refer you to another organization or whether they know of anyone with a spare item. Some programs keep a small emergency stock for situations like this.
Retail options are more expensive but immediate: drugstores, medical supply stores, and online retailers like Amazon carry basic items like canes and grab bars for $15 to $100. If cost is the barrier, ask whether the store offers a payment plan or whether a nonprofit can help you pay for a retail purchase while you wait for insurance or a manufacturer program to come through.
How to compare your options
| Source | Cost | Timeline | What's Covered | How to Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare | 20% of approved amount after deductible | 1–2 weeks | Walkers, canes, wheelchairs, grab bars, shower chairs | Ask your doctor for a prescription; call a Medicare-approved supplier |
| Medicaid | $0–$5 copay | 1–2 weeks | Varies by state | Call your state Medicaid office or check your plan documents |
| Community loan program | Free or $5–$20 donation | Same day to 1 week | Canes, walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, shower chairs, grab bars | Call 211 or your Area Agency on Aging |
| Manufacturer assistance | Free | 4–8 weeks | Specific to manufacturer | Search "[brand] patient assistance program" and complete application |
| Retail purchase | $15–$300+ | Same day to 1 week | Wide variety | Visit drugstore, medical supply store, or online retailer |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor's prescription to get equipment from a nonprofit program?
Most nonprofit loan programs don't require a prescription — you can call and ask for what you need. However, some programs ask you to have your doctor confirm the medical need, especially if you're borrowing a wheelchair or specialized equipment. Call ahead and ask what documentation they need.
What if I can't afford the copay or deductible for insurance coverage?
If your insurance covers the item but you can't pay your share, ask the medical supply company whether they offer payment plans or whether they know of nonprofits that help pay copays. Some equipment loan programs will lend you an item while you wait for insurance approval, so you have something to use in the meantime. Your doctor's office social worker may also know of local funds that help with medical costs.
Can I keep equipment I borrow from a nonprofit program?
Some programs let you keep items permanently if you can't return them; others expect you to return them so someone else can use them. Ask when you call. If the program requires return and you need to keep the item, ask whether they can refer you to a program that gives equipment away or whether they know of a way to purchase it affordably.
What if the equipment I need isn't available anywhere locally?
Ask your Area Agency on Aging or 211 whether they can refer you to a program in a neighboring county or whether they know of online loan programs. Some national organizations like the National Association of Disability Representatives maintain lists of programs across states. If nothing is available, a manufacturer assistance program may be your best option, even though it takes longer.
Do I have to pay taxes on equipment I receive for free?
Equipment from nonprofit programs and manufacturer assistance programs is not considered taxable income. Keep any paperwork the organization gives you in case questions come up later, but you should not receive a tax form for free medical equipment.