Insurance doesn’t cover all medical costs for those with disabilities and special needs. If your loved one needs medically related equipment not covered by insurance, here are some ways you might be able to cover the costs.

If you have a family member with a disability or special needs, health care can be a constant concern and cost. Some items like mobility vehicles and home modifications aren’t covered even with good medical insurance.

Many people believe that they either need to bear the entire expense of an item or forgo it; thankfully, however, there are ways to save on medically related equipment not covered by health insurance.

Consider DIY

Home modifications can be expensive. Before you call a professional, see if there are smaller projects that you can tackle yourself. Many home improvement stores also offer free clinics and workshops where you can learn the skills you need to tackle various home projects, like bathroom remodels. Also, there’s a YouTube video for just about everything these days.

Once you’ve researched a project, if it still feels beyond your skill set, consider whether one of your family members or friends has the right expertise. When we wanted to install an extra light switch at my daughter’s low height, we sought help from our neighbor, a retired electrical engineer. He walked my husband through the process and even came over to provide hands-on assistance when there was a snag in the process.

Rent Before You Purchase 

Given that your need for durable medical equipment or safety aids may be long-term, your first inclination is often to buy these items; however, consider renting first. Renting allows you to try out several options before you commit and is a much smaller outlay of cash when your expenses may be rapidly adding up.

The other benefit to renting is that people’s strength and abilities change, even with a lifelong condition. You may purchase a costly piece of equipment only to find out that it’s no longer optimal or, in the case of children, that your child or grandchild has outgrown it.

If you do rent, find out if any of your rental costs can be applied to purchases.

Think Used

A surprising number of people have medical equipment gathering dust in their homes. People are often reluctant to get rid of home health equipment like shower chairs and safety bars that they used after a surgery or that they purchased for an elderly relative, so they store it indefinitely. Before you buy, put out a call for needed items on Facebook, at church, or on local group websites.

Someone posted on our neighborhood website that he was looking for a kneeling scooter and another neighbor responded that they had one to loan. When hunting for used equipment, Craigslist and estate sales are other good places to look.

Shop Around for Mobility Vehicles

Mobility vehicles are expensive. We bought our wheelchair-equipped van several years ago, and I’m still reeling from sticker shock! But if that experience taught us anything, it is that it’s necessary to shop around. Do you need a vehicle with a ramp or a lift? If you need a ramp, do you want side or rear entry? There are many factors to consider, not the least of which is determining whether you can modify your existing vehicle or whether you need a new (or new to you) car.

If you’re lucky enough to live near a city hosting an Abilities Expo, go. The Abilities Expo is a showcase for all kinds of different disability products and services. This means you’ll be able to see many different makes, models, and styles of mobility vehicles all under one roof. (Even if you’re not looking for a mobility vehicle, the Abilities Expo offers all kinds of ideas for living with a disability. As a bonus, the handicapped parking is plentiful!)

Even if you can’t make it to an Abilities Expo, you can still shop around. Check out the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association website to find a local mobility dealer and to find links for government funding and rebates. Some dealerships will offer a discount if you pay cash rather than financing the vehicle.

Owning a mobility vehicle can also significantly increase your insurance rates, which is something else you want to remember while comparative shopping.

Connect With Non-Profit Organizations

If there was ever a time to seek out non-profits, it’s when you have a medical need. Many organizations offer emotional support, while others offer financial assistance or can connect you with local resources. Because there are so many organizations, sorting through all the available options can be tricky.

Start by doing a basic internet search. Search for organizations based on a medical need or current life circumstance. For example, search using the terms “ALS resources” or “home modification assistance for elderly or older adults.” You also want to talk to doctors and other healthcare professionals about possible resources.

Related Articles

• Affordable Ways To Make Your Home Disability Friendly
• Making Sense Out of Home Mobility Equipment
• Retirement Spending on Safety a Good Investment

Reviewed October 2023