What is Durable Medical Equipment?
Durable Medical Equipment is medical equipment that is used in the home to assist in a better quality of life. Through Medicare Durable Medicare is defined as:
- Durable (withstand repeated use)
- Expected to last at least 3 years
- Typically for someone who is sick, injured, or experiences a disability
- Used for medical reasons
- Used in your home
Some examples of Durable Medical Equipment are canes, walkers, wheelchairs/scooters, commode chairs, patient lifts, and more.
Durable Medical Equipment is also referred to as DME.
How to ask for Durable Medical Equipment?
Begin by talking to your child or person you care for therapists or doctors about what their needs may be and what equipment you are interested in. For receiving DME you will most likely need a Letter of Medical Necessity, which is written by your treating physician along with the doctor’s prescription.
Typically (this may vary) this will be sent to your primary insurance first, then Medicaid. If your health insurance does not cover the equipment, reach out to your DDA case manager to see if funding is available.
Possible Funding Sources for DME
- Health Insurance
- Medicaid
- DDA (If you are on a waiver service – speak to your case manager to learn more)
Other Resources for funding DME
- NW Access Fund Assistive Technology Loans (https://www.nwaccessfund.org/loans/at-loans/)
- Wheels to Walk (https://www.wheeltowalk.com/)
- Ben’s Fund (https://www.bensfund.org/)
Look into disability-specific organizations for possible grants or loans
Want to Learn More about DME?
- Connecting with other parents, families, and caregivers are a great way to learn about DME and the devices out there.
- Join Facebook groups specific to your person’s disability.
- Ask your doctor or therapist about equipment they might recommend.
- Research online on equipment-focused websites.
- Social media: connect with families and individuals within your community.
