Diagnosed in 1986
Finding Medical and Assistive Equipment Resources
- Assistive technologies and computer resources
- Medical and assistive equipment
- Used equipment to buy or borrow
You may use assistive devices and durable medical equipment (DME) while living with multiple sclerosis. Assistive devices and DME help you perform everyday activities and maintain independence. These items are available to buy, rent or borrow.Your healthcare provider can assess your needs to determine the best options for you. The website Explore AT may also help. Then, with your healthcare provider, you can use the Find Doctors & Resources tool to locate vendors of:
- Assistive technologies and computer resources
- Medical and assistive equipment
- Used equipment to buy or borrow
Tips for Buying New Assistive Devices and Durable Medical Equipment
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)
- The vendor participates in Medicare or Medicaid, if applicable.
- The vendor will service broken equipment. Most insurers will pay for repairs to the equipment they cover.
When shopping for equipment, look for vendors:
- With staff certified as complex Rehab Technology Suppliers (CRTS) or as Assistive Technology Professionals
- That are certified by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)
- The vendor participates in Medicare or Medicaid, if applicable.
- The vendor will service broken equipment. Most insurers will pay for repairs to the equipment they cover.
- Try before you buy. See the equipment in person and test out how it feels.
- Have a physical therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT) measure the equipment to be sure it fits you or provide guidance on how to do this.
- Anticipate future needs and buy equipment that can be adapted or added to later.
- Check insurance coverage and requirements such as a doctor’s prescription and pre-approval.
- If you’re enrolled in Medicare, check if the item is covered. Maximize your benefits by using a medical supplier or vendor who accepts the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full.
- If you’re enrolled in Medicaid, check coverage with your state Medicaid office.
- Organize the information required for reimbursement, such as:
- Kind of disability
- Disability start date
- Employment history
- Household gross income
- Monthly expenses
- Prepare a justification statement if required. Read about health insurance appeals. Tell your healthcare professional to visit the Society’s website to view appeal letter templates. Your provider or their staff may be able to help with documentation.
- Check your vendor’s return policy and your insurance claims appeal process. Keep meticulous records. Save all letters and keep notes of phone conversations. If necessary, follow the appeals process and complete all the steps on time.
It may take time and creativity to pay for your DME or assistive equipment, but it is well worth it. When you know what device or devices you need, explore coverage through:
- Private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and VA benefits
- Public funders (e.g., state assistive technology programs or state departments of vocational rehabilitation)
- State protection and advocacy systems run by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). They can connect you to legal and advocacy services to help you obtain assistive technology devices.
- Private funders (e.g., national nonprofits)
- Check insurance coverage and requirements such as a doctor’s prescription and pre-approval.
- If you’re enrolled in Medicare, check if the item is covered. Maximize your benefits by using a medical supplier or vendor who accepts the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full.
- If you’re enrolled in Medicaid, check coverage with your state Medicaid office.
- Organize the information required for reimbursement, such as:
- Kind of disability
- Disability start date
- Employment history
- Household gross income
- Monthly expenses
- Prepare a justification statement if required. Read about health insurance appeals. Tell your healthcare professional to visit the Society’s website to view appeal letter templates. Your provider or their staff may be able to help with documentation.
- Check your vendor’s return policy and your insurance claims appeal process. Keep meticulous records. Save all letters and keep notes of phone conversations. If necessary, follow the appeals process and complete all the steps on time.