Financial Assistance for Prosthetic Services, Durable Medical Equipment, and Other Assistive Devices

Some of the questions most frequently asked by amputees relate to the payment and coverage for the costs of prosthetic fitting and associated services or durable medical equipment (DME), such as wheelchairs, ramps and other adaptive equipment. The prosthetic fitting process can be very costly. Many durable medical devices, such as sophisticated electronic wheelchairs, are also expensive, and many people can experience financial hardship when trying to obtain these and other equipment needed to maintain their independence. This fact sheet will assist you in obtaining financial assistance for these devices that are essential to your day-to-day living.

For additional information and assistance, please contact the Amputee Coalition’s Resource Center at 888/267-5669, option 1.

Before attempting to find a funding source, you should take these three steps:

1. Determine what assistive device(s) you will need. Those seeking to replace old or outdated equipment such as wheelchairs or crutches need to determine the specific item needed (make, model, manufacturer, etc.) and from where it will be purchased. If there are changes in your disability or ability levels, consult with a therapist, physician or rehabilitation professional to determine the necessary features to accommodate you. For those who are recent amputees or in need of new prostheses, consulting with medical and rehabilitation professionals is the essential first step in the process.
2. Get a prescription for the device(s) you have chosen.
3. Gather personal information. No matter where you seek assistance, organized information is important. To help you avoid frustration and unnecessary delays, keep the following documentation updated and handy:
   • Primary disability (time of onset and cause of disability)
   • Secondary disability (time of onset and cause of secondary disability)
   • Employment history
   • Family gross income
   • Monthly expenses (rent or mortgage payments, utilities, loans and bills, medical expenses, etc.)
   • Health insurance information
   • Name, age and relationship of dependents

Once you’ve accomplished the above steps, you should take time to consider how you want to justify your request for financial assistance. Some funding sources, particularly government programs, require the applicant to prepare a justification statement before funds are actually appropriated. State vocational rehabilitation agencies normally require that applicants demonstrate how the service or technology will enhance their ability to prepare for, get, or keep a job. If employment is not an expected outcome for you, then the justification statement must show that the device will enhance your independence. Other funding sources will have their own specific requirements.

Nonprofit Organizations

Certain nonprofit organizations provide grants that assist amputees in acquiring prosthetic devices or durable medical equipment. See below to find out how you can benefit from this funding.

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Children’s and Young Adult Services

Various organizations exist that specialize in assisting children in need of prosthetic devices. These are listed below. Children may also qualify for the above listed assistance programs, but the following groups exist to serve children and, in some cases, young adults.

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State and Federally Funded Sources of Financial Assistance

Success in securing funding frequently depends on the applicant’s ability to address each agency’s unique requirements. Sources of financial assistance range from Medicare and other insurance options to national and local nonprofit organizations. The following is an overview of some of the available resources.

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