Medical Equipment

Medicare covers (DME)

Medicare Part B covers Durable Medical Equipment with doctor's prescription:

• Walkers, canes, crutches.
• Wheelchairs (manual + power).
• Hospital beds.
• Oxygen + CPAP.
• Commodes / shower chairs.
• Diabetic supplies, blood pressure monitors.
• Medicare pays 80% after deductible.
• Use Medicare-enrolled supplier.

FREE equipment programs

• Loan closets — many counties have free durable medical equipment loan closets. Search "[county] medical equipment loan".
• Lions Club — free wheelchair, hearing equipment loans.
• VFW / American Legion — for veterans.
• Catholic Charities.
• Independent Living Centers — federal-funded.
• Goodwill Easter Seals — sometimes free DME.
• Hospital social worker can connect you.

Rent for short-term needs

• Drive Medical / Hugo Mobility — rentals 1-week to 6-month.
• National Seating & Mobility — chains nationwide.
• Medequip USA — short-term rentals.
• $50-150/month typical.
• Insurance often covers rental too.
• Better than buying for temporary post-surgery needs.

Buying second-hand

• Facebook Marketplace — wheelchair, walker often $20-100.
• Estate sales — frequently good deals.
• Goodwill / Salvation Army — basic medical equipment.
• Senior centers — sometimes have items to give away.