Last Updated: June 9, 2021
Lacking a mobility aid denies you the freedom to move, experience, and explore however you want.
And...
You might have tried getting one, but the cost of a new one was beyond your budget.
As we look at tips on how to get a free mobility scooter, you'll note that almost all avenues ask for medical evidence and proof of disability. Do you have these? Excellent! Let's go straight into:
Tips On How To Get A Free Mobility Scooter
Before you think about searching for a free mobility scooter on craigslist, try places that'll get you a new scooter instead of a used one. Believe it or not, free scooters are awaiting your application. Where?
First, try:
Medicare
It's one of the best places to start as Medicare Part B caters to mobility aids, and it covers 80% of the cost of your scooter. But this benefit can also be a disadvantage if you don't have the 20% or a supplemental policy to cater for it.
Head To Your Insurance Provider
Pull out your insurance policy forms to see whether mobility aids are part of the agreement. If they are, you'll need a medical report from your doctor before the insurance company can look at your claim.
What if you don't have insurance cover?
Grants and Charity Foundations
The requirements vary across organizations, but you'll most likely accompany your application with your doctor's recommendation, annual income statement, and a prescription from your doctor.
Sometimes, the grants go beyond offering mobility aids to help you modify your home so that you can move around as much as you want. For example, the Byron Riesch Paralysis Foundation helps people with spinal injuries do minor home modifications like adding a ramp.
Essentially, for charitable grants, watch out for the annual application window.
Another source of free scooters is the...
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
You may confuse the two; hence, let's start by stating their difference. SSI caters to people over 65 years of age, visually impaired people, or people with a disability and low income.
On the other hand, you'll need proof of disability and work history to quality for SSDI. Work history means your employment history, your spouse's, or your parent's.
Popular Questions About A Free Motorized Scooter
How Do You Qualify For A Mobility Scooter?
If you're requesting a free scooter using Medicare, you'll need to prove,
- Your health condition prevents you from moving around your home safely, so a mobility aid is necessary.
- You can operate the scooter safely, or there's someone to assist you.
- It's impossible to go about daily activities, even with a cane or a walker.
It's an almost similar process for most organizations and foundations offering these free mobility aids.
For example, the American Outreach Foundation expects you to provide a doctor's recommendation and proof that you need financial assistance to buy this scooter. Additionally, you'll need a denial letter from your insurer.
For SSDI, you qualify if you have a disability and proof of work history.
The next step is a rigorous examination process that involves a physical medical examination and a functional assessment to see how the scooter will make your life better.
Can I Get A Grant For A Mobility Scooter?
Yes, there are non-profit organizations offering grants to people in need of mobility aids.
Since there are so many needy people, make this your last option, especially if you have Medicare or private health insurance.
Additionally, grants have a strict annual application window; therefore, if you miss it, you'll stay without a scooter for another year.
It's also a trial and miss process, one without guarantees when other applicants are in worse financial or medical situations.
How Do I Get A Free Mobility Scooter?
You can get the best mobility scooter from any of the sources we've discussed above, such as requesting your insurance provider, Medicare, or a grant from a non-profit organization.
It's not a fast process because of the application and evaluation activities. For instance, SSI and SSDI feedback takes about three to five months.
Here are the things you need to know about the coverage of Medicare for mobility scooters and does Medicare cover walkers:
Who Is Eligible For A Mobility Scooter?
As we've mentioned in the first question, each source of free scooters has its eligibility criteria.
However, across all funding sources, you must have medical evidence that you need to use this mobility aid and that canes or other devices aren't effective.
The evidence comes from a qualified doctor, not friends or family members. That's one reason SSI and SSDI applications have such alarming rejection rates. Age and low income may also matter, especially in programs funded by the government.
Final Thoughts
Your Medicare plan or private health insurance will only fund a durable scooter, one that can serve you for years. It may not be your favorite brand or model, but this policy protects you from manufacturers with sub-standard scooters.
Additionally, foundations and charities offering scooter grants also care about your well-being. Therefore, you may apply for grants to remodel your home to make it suitable for your mobility device.