I have been living with and caring for an 82 year old woman who receives VA survivor benefits. She is on limited income and on the verge of bankruptcy.
Every state has an assistive technology project that works with individuals with disabilities to help them find the right products to help them live independently. Most of them have information and resources for financing, borrowing, or renting equipment. I can't post the link here, but if you head to your favorite search engine and look for "assistive technology project" and your state, you should find it. Resnaprojects also maintains a list of these centers, as well as the alternative financing programs available in some states. Finally, look for the Pass It On Center, a nationwide assistive technology re-use program.
Another member just pointed out to me that Medicare won't cover ramps. I checked and that is right. I was surprised to see that Medicare also won't pay now for the purchase of manual or power wheelchairs, but will help pay for rental.
Check to see if you have an organization called "Faith in Action" in your area. They have volunteers who will bring a portable ramp as long as you need it, and then come back to pick it up when you are finsihed with it.
Her doctor can write a prescription for a ramp. Medicare should help cover the claim. If you go this route, find a company that will submit the insurance claim for you to make it go easier.
You can check to see if you have a local Boy Scout troop. The boys that are trying for their Eagle Scout rank need community projects as part of their qualifications. The cost is taken care of usually by the troop as they seek donations to fund them. Check it out, both of my sons earned their Eagle Scout rank and ramps are a common project.
Liz, I think when we got my grandpa's wheelchair from the VA, they were willing to put in a ramp. If not, your Area Agency on Aging might have a handyman service affiliated with them that will put one in at a low-cost.
Also is your person receiving the Housebound benefit or Aid and Attendance benefit from the VA? If not, she might qualify. It can be daunting to apply for the Aid and Attendance, but once the paperwork is done, it is a very helpful benefit.
Llamalover, that was apparently back in the old days of a few years back. I checked what Garden wrote and found the same thing. Medicare also won't pay for the purchase of wheelchairs anymore from what is written. They will only pay for rental. If you can find where it says differently for 2015 it would be most helpful to know.
I just look and am finding conflicting information about power chairs. The Medicare newsgroup has that yes, they are covered under Section B, but only for use in the home. Mobility use outside the home is not covered.
I am checking now with the Medicare 2016 publication. I does cover items like walkers, wheelchairs, and beds when prescribed, but mentioned some items must be rented. The items are used indoors only from what is written. I'm checking online to see if I can get some more detailed information.
Also is your person receiving the Housebound benefit or Aid and Attendance benefit from the VA? If not, she might qualify. It can be daunting to apply for the Aid and Attendance, but once the paperwork is done, it is a very helpful benefit.
Good luck!
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