Save On Durable Medical Equipment

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If you are elderly, have an aging parent or are undergoing a surgery that will require you to have some extra aids, check thrift shops for these items as they almost always have them. Once people are done with these items or have inherited homes from their parents, 9 times out of 10 they end up donating these.

  • Walkers
  • Canes
  • Shower Stools
  • Toilet Risers
  • Bedpans
  • Crutches
  • Wheelchairs
  • Arm, Knee, Back and Leg Supports

Free & Cheap Medical Equipment

You can also find many of these items, absolutely free or very cheap by checking out local ads in online marketplaces. Check these places to find items free or for sale by individuals.

  • Craigslist
  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Facebook Swap and Shops
  • Nextdoor
  • LetGo
  • OfferUp
  • Freecycle
  • Garage Sales

Local Lending Programs

There are many nonprofit organizations where you can borrow medical equipment and assistive medical devices absolutely free. Donated items are cleaned and repaired, then lent out to people in need. Once done with the items, you return them so someone else in need can borrow them.

For elders, you can call the U.S. Administration on Aging at 1-800-677-1116 to find out what programs are available in your area or visit eldercare.acl.gov where you can chat online or search the online directory for services near you.

Coupons and Sales

You’ll almost always find sales somewhere on durable medical equipment. Especially at the end of the year, sales will ramp up to target those with a flexible savings account since some need to spend the money in the account by December 31st. Check your local pharmacy such as Walgreens or CVS for coupons. There are also many online retailers that offer discounted durable medical supplies that are worth checking into.

Medicare Part B & Insurance

If you have Medicare, these devices are normally covered. Be sure to check with your insurance provider before paying full price as it may be a reimbursable expense.

  • Air-fluidized beds and other support surfaces (these supplies are only rented)
  • Blood sugar monitors
  • Blood sugar test strips
  • Canes
  • Commode chairs
  • Continuous passive motion (CPM) machine
  • Crutches
  • Hospital beds
  • Infusion pumps and supplies
  • Manual wheelchairs and power mobility devices
  • Nebulizers and nebulizer medications
  • Oxygen equipment and accessories
  • Patient lifts
  • Sleep apnea and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices and accessories
  • Suction pumps
  • Traction equipment
  • Walkers