Mobility scooters are among the best ways for older and physically-challenged people to remain independent in spite of their limitations. They are efficient, but tend to get very pricey. To avoid unnecessary expense and hassle, our team put together a guide on how to get a free mobility scooter for senior citizens and people with disabilities.
What is a Mobility Scooter?
While aging may grant you wisdom from experiences, it would also slow you down. Chores that have always been part of your routine can be more challenging, making you rely on mobility aids to help you get through the day.
Mobility scooters are three or four-wheeled vehicles that aid people with limited mobility in getting around from point A to point B. Unlike other types of scooters, they are used both indoors and outdoors, through their long-range batteries that are designed to go for several miles on a single charge.
As mobility scooters are designed for people with disability or limited mobility, they are engineered as a durable medical equipment that needs minimal physical effort to use. They act as support to people with severe limitations who cannot use canes or walkers. Mobility scooters are also used by older people to help them get around their daily routines like housework, running errands, or spending time outside.
Average Cost of a Mobility Scooter
Mobility scooters are designed for heavy use so it is expected that their build and specs can be quite pricey. Depending on the manufacturer and their features, mobility scooters can range from $600 to $4,000.
Some mobility scooters are engineered to tolerate a 500-pound capacity, while others are intended for light use. The price will always be dependent on what the mobility scooter is intended for and the features integrated on it.
While the average price of a reliable mobility scooter is $1,000, there might be an extra expense depending on your needs.
Qualifications to Get a Mobility Scooter
The first step on how to get free mobility scooter is to prove that you actually need one. This means providing documents to prove that you are in medical need of a mobility scooter.
A doctor’s prescription is a crucial step in getting your mobility scooter for free and is as easy as paying a visit to your doctor and asking for one. The doctor will then assess your condition and physical limitations and determine a scooter that is compatible with your needs.
The experts at Marc’s Mobility, a reputable source for electric wheelchair scooters, say that it is recommended to gather any relevant medical records or supporting documents that further substantiate your need for a mobility scooter. This can include assessments, previous prescriptions, or reports from specialists. By presenting a comprehensive picture of your mobility challenges, you enhance your chances of obtaining a free mobility scooter that caters to your specific requirements.
Furthermore, when consulting your healthcare provider, it is important to discuss your condition, physical limitations, and the challenges you face with mobility. You need to have a certified medical condition that limits your movement both inside and outside your home. Additionally, there should be proof that using only a cane or walker would sometimes be insufficient given your circumstances, and that you can safely enter and exit by yourself using the scooter.
Means to Get a Free Mobility Scooter
Medicare
Almost any insurance provider has the capacity to provide financial aid to cover the expense of purchasing a mobility scooter as long as one can prove that it is a necessity rather than mere convenience. That being said, Medicare has different programs available for different disabilities and the elderly in need of assisted living.
Basically, if you have availed of the Medicare part B which covers mobility and other medical equipment, you might be able to get the mobility scooter for free. If not, the program can reimburse up to 80% of the total cost.
In the case that you have a Medicare supplemental insurance policy, they may cover the remaining 20% of the remaining cost from the standard policy.
There is also an option to contact the Medicaid office to seek financial assistance for those from low income families through the Medicare Savings Program.
Insurance
May it be a self-paying or work-enrolled insurance provider, chances are there is a way to avail a free mobility scooter in its list of policies. The best way to ensure this is to review the terms under medical devices or mobility aids. If you are qualified, consult personnel from the company and bring your doctor’s prescription. With the best of luck, this might be the fastest way to avail a free power chair to meet your needs.
Social Security
Social Security is a federal program, but they are also inclusive of benefit programs that are made at the state level. That said, each state has different rules and requirements on how to get free mobility equipment. However, there are two programs in general under the Social Security tag that are likely to provide you with a mobility chair.
The first is the Social Security Disability Insurance that provides benefits to contributing members. Most senior citizens automatically qualify under this bracket especially if they have worked for a significant number of years and are now retired.
The second is the Supplemental Security Income that provides adults and children with disabilities with financial assistance programs and other benefits if they could not afford to subscribe to an alternative insurance company.
State-issued disability benefits like Social Security and disability assistance may cover the partial or full cost of medical mobility aids. This is not recommended if you are in a hurry, however, because there is a high chance that you would have to wait for several months for your application to be processed.
American Outreach Foundation
The American Outreach Foundation was originally intended to provide financial assistance to veterans and people from lower-income families who do not have the means to provide for their medical aid and equipment.
If you qualify as a beneficiary, you may visit their website and fill out the request form to get a free mobility chair.
Organizations and Charities
Private organizations and charities may provide grants specifically to provide assistance for individuals in need of mobility aids like scooters or wheelchairs, one of which is the Numotion Foundation’s Grants and Sponsorship Program.
These charities and other organizations may have a long queue and limited funding, but it would not hurt to try especially if you are lacking the financial capacity to purchase the power chair you need in your daily errands.
GoFund Me
As technology continually advances over the years, several internet organizations have stepped up to raise funds for various causes, one of which is GoFund Me.
GoFund Me is a site that millions have used to raise awareness and monetary sums for a wide range of causes. In the United States alone, individuals who lack the means to cover their healthcare bills rely on this website to seek out benevolent strangers from the internet to donate to their cause.
Hence, if you are out of options and in dire need of a free scooter, GoFund Me can be the crowd-sourcing platform that will allow you to acquire enough money to finally cover the cost of your mobility scooter.
Other Fundraising Platforms
If all else fails, there are several online fundraising platforms to petition your need for a mobility scooter. If you lack the money but have the connections, an alternative is organizing a benefit activity that can raise funds for you.
FAQ
How can I get a free mobility scooter?
You can get a free mobility scooter by seeking help from your insurance provider, social services, or private organizations. Make sure to have a medical document certifying your need for this aid.
Can I get a grant for a mobility scooter?
Yes, you can get a grant to avail a free scooter through charities and other philanthropic platforms. It may take some time to avail, and you would have forms to fill out, and interviews to attend to avail of this benefit.
How do I get Medicare to pay for a mobility scooter?
For Medicare to pay for your mobility scooter, you have to make sure that the manufacturer you would purchase from participates in Medicare/Medicaid [1]. Additionally, your doctor must also be Medicare-registered.
Conclusion
The process of getting a free mobility scooter may be tedious but rewarding in the long run especially if you are someone with physical limitations. As it tends to get pricey to purchase a mobility scooter at its full price, our team suggests seeking out financial assistance programs available from insurance, charities, federal services, and fundraisers. These will help you acquire your much-needed mobility scooter.
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