Are you facing difficulty while walking because of disability, age, muscular disease, arthritis and in search of a mobility scooter? You are in the right page. Although mobility scooters are so important for disabled, elderly or the sick to move from one place to another independently, these devices are very costly to buy or rent. This makes it so strenuous for low income seniors or disabled to purchase the device. Fortunately, there are various ways through which you can get a free mobility scooter as discussed in this blogpost. For instance, you can get a free mobility scooter from various government aid programs, grants, your insurer, nonprofit organizations among other places.
Before we dig deep on how to get a free mobility scooter from the sources mentioned above, it’s prudent to mention that getting a free mobility scooter requires you to meet certain eligibility requirements, depending with your specific program. For instance, some programs like Medicaid requires you to have low income before getting a free mobility scooter from them. Please read this comprehensive guide to the end to learn more about free mobility scooters. Let’s get started!
How Do I Qualify For A Free Mobility Scooter?
As we have stated above, there are a number of requirements to meet before you qualify for a free mobility scooter. Basically, every program has various requirements to meet before getting a free mobility scooter from them. However, there are some general requirements that every patient must meet before getting a free mobility scooter either from government programs or from charities.
Although you don’t need any license to get a free mobility scooter, the government directs that you must be physically injured, physically disabled or must have any relatable medical condition before getting a free mobility scooter from any source.
To qualify for a free mobility scooter therefore, you must first visit a medical specialist to determine whether you have any physical or medical limitations. If your doctor’s test confirm that you have the following conditions, you are considered eligible for a free mobility scooter:
- If you are found medically or physically unfit to move around independently, you are considered eligible for a free mobility scooter.
- If you experience unbearable or severe pain or stress while walking independently, you are considered eligible for a free mobility scooter.
- If you are so unfit and can’t use a stick or walker to walk, unless offered more assistance, you are considered eligible for a free mobility scooter
- If you can safely operate or drive the scooter independently, regardless of your physical or medical problems, you are considered eligible for a free mobility scooter.
How To Apply For Free Mobility Scooter
The process of applying for a free mobility scooter is so easy and straightforward. However, it all depends with your selected dealer. If you are applying for a free mobility scooter from charity organizations, there is no specific procedure to follow. All you need to do is visit a medical specialist to conduct some test and confirm your eligibility. After, you will get an authentic prescription form your doctor to get a free mobility scooter.
With your doctor’s prescription, you can now visit or contact your specific charity organization for help. If mobility scooters are available at the moment, you will get one instantly. In a section below, we are going to discuss different ways of getting a free mobility scooter and how to apply for your device from each source. Keep reading!
11Different Ways Of Getting A Free Mobility Scooter
Throughout our research, we have come across several platforms and programs that offer free mobility scooters. Most of these organizations have a common mission: to offer better and safe movement for the disabled, veterans, physically challenged and seniors from one place to another. Here is a brief discussion of each platform and how to get started:
1. Medicare
Medicare is a medical insurance that covers various health services and equipment, including a mobility scooter. Basically, Medicare pays a certain percentage of the overall price of your mobility scooter through your selected supplier. Through Medicare pat B, this medical insurance covers 80% of the total cost of your mobility scooter, while you cover the remaining 20%. To qualify however, your selected DME supplier must be enrolled with Medicare.
Besides, you must also be evaluated by a doctor to confirm your medical necessity of getting a free mobility scooter. Your doctor must also submit a written order to state that you need a free mobility scoter for easy movement at home. You will also qualify for a free mobility scooter from Medicare if you meet the following conditions:
- If you have been found with a health condition that causes pain or difficulty when walking around at home.
- If you are found unable to do basic activities around home, like bathing, getting in/out of bed, dressing and so on.
- If you are able to operate your scooter safely or have an available helper around to help you operate the scooter.
- If both your doctor and mobility scooter supplier accepts Medicare
- Your doctor must visit your home and verify that you can safely use your equipment at home.
Do you meet the above mentioned requirements, the next course of action should be to visit a Medicare contracted DME supplier and near you and receive your discounted mobility scooter.
2. Medicaid
If you have physical or medical conditions that limit your movement, you can also qualify for a free mobility scooter from Medicaid. This is a free government program that offers free medical services or equipment, including mobility scooters. However, you must be a low income patient before getting any free mobility scooter from Medicaid. Please note that free mobility scooter eligibility requirement with Medicaid varies depending with your state.
In some states, you must meet the following requirements before receiving a free mobility scooter from Medicaid:
- You must come from a low income household
- You must be 65 years of age and above
- You must have a permanent disability condition like blindness
- Can also qualify if you are pregnant.
Once you meet the above mentioned requirements, you should visit a Medicaid authorized supplier to get your free mobility scooter. However, you must also get an authentic prescription form your doctor to get a free mobility scooter from Medicaid.
3. Veteran programs
The department of veterans affairs in the US also offer free mobility scooters to qualified veterans in the county. To qualify for a free mobility scooter form veteran programs however, you must be a veteran. Besides, you must have an authentic prescription from a medical specialist, indicating that you have medical or physical problems that limit your movement.
Once you get a medical proof, you can contact or book an appointment with a veteran center to apply for a free mobility scooter. Once you visit the center, they will determine whether you are eligible for a free mobility scooter and get to know the available options.
4. Health insurance companies
If you are not enrolled for Medicare, there are other health insurance companies that offer free or discounted mobility scooter. These are private health insurance companies that offer free mobility scooters depending with your contract policy. Please note that various health insurance companies have different policies and rules when it comes to getting a free medical equipment (mobility scooter). Therefore, you should carefully read your company’s policy and agreement before enrolling for their services.
Depending with your health insurance company, you can get a mobility scooter either for free or at a discounted price. That means that the company pays a certain percentage of the scooter while you cover the rest percentage.
Similar to other platforms, you must also visit a medical specialist and get tested before getting a free mobility scooter from your health insurance company. Your doctor should then provide an authentic prescription to present to your insurance company.
Your insurance company will then approve your request to get a free mobility scooter. Upon approval, you will get a free mobility scooter from an authorized supplier.
5. Charities and grants
Besides the above mentioned platforms, you can also get a free mobility scooter through various charity organizations and grants. These organizations receive mobility scooter donations from sponsors and well-wishers. Once they receive the donations, they will then disperse mobility scooters to people with disability or the elderly for free.
These organizations can also offer grants that aid in purchase of a mobility scooter. Luckily, there are several charity organizations across the US, through which you can get a free mobility scooter or grants to purchase your mobility scooter. Here is a list of the most trusted platforms:
- Ascent project
- Direct relief international
- Free wheelchair mission
- Friends of disabled adults and children
- Kansas equipment exchange
- The mobility project
- Wine for wheels
- Muscular dystrophy association among others
6. Social security administration
You can also can also be lucky to get a free mobility scooter from social security administration federal program. Although getting a free mobility scooter from these programs is time consuming, you will eventually get your mobility scooter with zero cost.
There are two social security programs that offer free mobility scooters to eligible patients. These are: Social security disability insurance and the supplemental security income programs. Note that to get a free mobility scooter from these programs, there are eligibility requirements to meet. These requirement vary from state to state.
It’s important to mention that social security disability insurance offers free mobility scooters and other medical benefits to insured individuals while the supplemental security income offers free medical benefits to needy patients with disabilities (both children and adults)
7. American outreach foundation
This is another reputable organization that offers free mobility assistance to the needy and veterans. This foundation offers mobility assistance by giving free wheelchairs and mobility scooters to needy patients who need mobility devices but can’t afford one.
If you are a low income adult/ veteran/ senior or disabled, you can visit the programs official website to apply for a free mobility scooter. From the page, fill the provided application form and wait for approval.
Please note that to get a free mobility scooter from American outreach foundation, you must meet the following conditions:
- You must have a prescription letter from a licensed doctor with proof that you are physically or medically unfit
- You must have proof that you are from a low income household.
8. Triumph foundation
Triumph foundation is a very reliable organization in the US that offers various types of assistance to veterans and needy adults in the United Stated. The organization majorly helps veteran and adults with spinal cord injuries or physical disorder by providing grants so that they can purchase a mobility scooter. This foundation offers grants of up to $2000 towards purchasing a mobility scoter. To know more about free mobility scooter from triumph foundation, how to qualify and how to apply, kindly visit their official website.
9. National multiple sclerosis society
This is another non-profit organization in the US that helps individuals that are straining financially to better their lives. The foundation offers various types of assistance which includes free medical equipment. From this organization, you can be lucky to get a free mobility scooter so that you can enhance your movement. Besides low income households, this foundation also helps the disabled or elderly with a free mobility scooter to help them move around independently.
10. Hope haven
This is another reliable organization in the US that offers various types of assistance to individuals with disability. The organization offers mobility aid to help these individuals smoothen there movement at home. Are you a needy disabled who’s in need of a free mobility scooter, you can surely get one from this organization through a very smooth process. All you need to do is visit hope heaven offices and request for a free mobility scooter. However, you must be physically injured, disabled or must have a medical condition that inhibits your movement before getting a free mobility scooter from hope haven.
11. The wheelchair foundation
You can also get a free mobility scooter from this incredible non-profit organization. The foundation’s mission is to offer free wheelchair and mobility scooters to the disabled to enhance their movement. All you need to do is get a prescription from a licensed medical specialist with proof that you are physically or medically unfit and can’t move around independently.
Is It Possible To Get A Free Mobility Scooter On PIP?
It’s possible to get a free mobility scooter on PIP (personal independence payment). This is because the mobility aid program is in partnership with PIP, to offer a free mobility scooter on PIP. However, you must have been recently awarded an enhanced rate PIP mobility component before getting a free mobility scooter on PIP.
Alternative Options For Obtaining A Mobility Scooter
If you don’t qualify for a free mobility scooter from the sources discussed above, worry no because there are alternative ways to get a mobility scooter with ease. For instance, if you don’t qualify for a free mobility scooter, you can consider borrowing funds from an official lender or enter into a financial agreement with your bank and obtain funds to purchase your mobility scooter. Besides, you can consider buying a used mobility scooter from an individual. That way, you will purchase your electrical scooter at a more affordable price compared to buying a new scooter. You can also rent out your mobility scooter and spend less as opposed to buying the device.