Help, I need a lift.

August 19, 2010 7:31 PM

Medical filter: I have insurance but it will not cover a mobility device that I require.

I need an electric scooter or wheelchair to get around. I no longer have the arm strength to push my manual chair. Unfortunately, my insurance won't cover one. The minimum cost I have found is around 1700 dollars for one that will fit my needs. Do you know of any place that does loans for medical devices (to someone with bad/no credit) or that helps people in this type of situation?

posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)

Would you consider buying one used? I'm looking at listings on Craigslist right now and people are selling secondhand mobility scooters for about 1/4 of that price.
posted by contessa at 7:42 PM on August 19, 2010

Have you applied for care credit? They usually also have an introductory no APR period (I think my wife's was 36 months, but it may differ depending on amount you borrow.
posted by TheBones at 7:53 PM on August 19, 2010

I'm sorry this is anonymous so I can't ask where you are, but if you happen to be in Nebraska or Iowa you should call up The League of Human Dignity. Heck even if you're not, maybe they could help you find a local place that can help.
posted by fritley at 8:21 PM on August 19, 2010

I also don't know where you are, but a couple of years ago when I temporarily needed a scooter and was going to be in the Pittsburgh/Johnstown area of Western PA for a conference, I called around to places in the area that sold scooters to see if anyone rented them. Nobody did, but one place was able to hook me up with a guy who lends scooters for free; he drove something like two hours each way to drop it off and pick it up from my location. Sadly, I no longer have contact info for him directly but on the off chance you're in that part of PA, calling around to the places that sell them might get you the same hookup I got (or, if this long shot is actually helpful, have a mod let me know in this thread or by memail and I know somebody who might still have his number on file somewhere; I'd be glad to put some effort into tracking him down again if it would actually be helpful.)
posted by not that girl at 8:32 PM on August 19, 2010

Where I live, the local Rotary Club has a loan program for mobility devices; I'm assuming you're in the USA, where there are also Rotary Club branches, so it may be worth looking to see if there is one near you that offers a similar service.
posted by Lebannen at 4:15 AM on August 20, 2010

This is too vague, anon. How do you know your insurance won't cover it? You can't just ask them for it; they have to know there's a documented medical need for it.

If you go the scooter store or related 'durable medical equipment provider' route - which I have some experience with - you will probably need to have a new medical evaluation that documents your lack of arm strength. Do you have a neurologist? Your insurance might require it be a specialist who they think has the ability to evaluate your increasing inability to use a manual wheelchair. There are very particular terms that insurance companies look for your physician to document.

The office evaluation usually needs to be within 30 days of your applying for a mobility device and often specifically needs to say in the office note that it is regarding evaluation for a power wheelchair/scooter. Your doctor will need to fill out a form or has to write a letter to insurance specifications. Then that company harasses the office until the doctor fills out their forms exactly right, and then they harass your insurance for you/for their payment.
posted by cobaltnine at 7:08 AM on August 20, 2010 [2 favorites]