No matter your financial status, you might be entitled to a free mobility scooter. Getting hold of these life-affirming devices can be hard, and if you don’t have the money at hand it might seem impossible. So, we will guide you how to get free mobility scooter here.
Luckily, there are government-run benefit schemes, charities, and insurance methods to get a mobility scooter for free.
We will walk you through each one and share what the criteria are to get a free mobility scooter.
Medicare
Medicare is health insurance paid for by the government. It can be used by anyone aged 65 or older, anyone with End Of Life diseases, and some people with disabilities.
To see if you are eligible talk to someone on the Medicare team.
When you’re ill with a life-changing disability, finances are the last thing on your mind. Medicare takes care of you while you enjoy the last precious years of your life.
In Part B of the Medicare Act, mobility equipment is given for free or for 20% of the original cost (meaning the government pays for the other 80%).
Basically, you can either buy or rent the requirement, and you will need a doctor’s note explaining you require the equipment. Free mobility scooters are only offered if your doctor is enrolled in the Medicare program.
This benefit looks through each case and decides what each applicant can and can’t have. As part of your application, you can ask for a mobility scooter.
Moreover, the issue with this is normally time-based. It might take months for a mobility scooter to be sent to you.
Your eligibility will be based on the state’s belief that you need the scooter or not.
For example, if you can walk comfortably most of the time, but long walks become difficult or you struggle on an odd day, you might not be eligible for the scooter.
Essentially, you can contact their toll-free number for more information.
Your Insurance Company
Each insurance company will have its own perks and policies. To see if yours will offer a free mobility scooter make sure to check the criteria and agreements of your contract.
Then, call your insurance company directly to discuss the issue and your personal circumstances. In many cases, companies would prefer to offer you a mobility scooter to prevent accidents later on.
Financially speaking the cost of a scooter would be cheaper than the cost of a hip replacement – for example.
Moreover, most mobility scooter companies would ask for your insurance company information anyway.
They normally discuss amongst themselves if the policy covers a mobility scooter in total or if it can cover part of the payment.
The American Outreach Foundation
We are now heading into the charity section of this article. The American Outreach Foundation is a charity aimed at people in low-income families or veterans.
Essentially, they hope to give a better standard of living to thousands of Americans who come under changing circumstances that affect their mental health, physical health, or financial well-being.
In this case, they are focusing on helping those with mobility issues. Using their Need A Power Chair program, the people of Coachella Valley, California can get a chair free of charge.
As this charity grows they hope to expand its location across the US.
To be eligible for these free scooters you need a recommendation from your doctor, a letter of medical necessity from your doctor, and a letter of denial from your insurance provider.
Ultimately, you will also need evidence of your income to prove you need help obtaining the scooter.
Grants
Grants are non-governmental organizations that offer a large sum of money to a person or group of people in need.
They are very similar to a charity however they are often pickier about who they select.
Moreover, depending on your location there might not be many grants available. Use this link to find a local grant for those with mobility issues. The link will take you to the United Spinal Association website.
Therefore, this means the products and services provided are targeted at those with this specific disability. Although the website is dedicated to spinal cord issues, its list of grants has a wider range of accepted disabilities.
Charities
Although we have already discussed the American Outreach Foundation, some of their amazing charity work is limited to California.
There are several charities across the country that could help you just like the AOF. To find them you need to locate the charities in your state.
Although that might seem like a mammoth task, you can easily narrow down the process by using America’s Charity list.
First, change the location to match your state, then change the cause to include Elderly, Health, and Military and Police.
Although you might not fit into all three categories, this will give you a better scope for finding a mobility charity near you.
Final Thoughts
The best way to get a free mobility scooter is to talk to your insurance provider or get in contact with Medicare.
Medicare is there to lighten your financial load, and it can do everything that charities can offer. If you are rejected by your insurance company or Medicare, you might be rejected by charities too.
This is because they all use the same criteria to see if you need the equipment and cannot afford it.
The difference comes in the smaller charities. Smaller charities tend to be more personable, and if they can afford to help you, they might go the extra mile.
Frequently Asked Question
Can You Ride A Scooter On The Sidewalk?
Yes, you can ride a scooter on the sidewalk or a road. However, there is a maximum speed limit of 25 miles per hour and if the road requires a higher speed than this, then you should be on the sidewalk.
Hi! My name is Johnathan, and I am the creator of ScooterAdvice360.com. Having been riding motor scooters and bikes for over 20 years, I have picked up a few things! I ran my own scooter store in Florida, selling all manner of motor scooters, mobility scooters, hoverboards, e-scooters and accessories, from Forzas to Vipers, Hellcats to Vespas.
Here, at ScooterAdvice360.com, I want to ensure everyone has access to the information that they need to enjoy their bikes and scooters for longer.
