[Last updated July 15, 2025]

An older adult woman walks outside in the fall using a walker.
Durable medical equipment can be essential for keeping people safe and healthy, but it can be difficult to know how to get the devices you need, especially since they can be expensive. In this article, we’ll go over different methods to get the home equipment you need. Photo Credit: iStock.com/FamVeld

Durable medical equipment (DME) can improve quality of life, especially as we age or manage chronic conditions. Whether you need a mobility aid like a wheelchair or a cane, a pressure-reducing mattress for better sleep, or respiratory equipment like an oxygen concentrator, there are many options to address different needs. However, accessing the equipment you need isn’t always easy. Some items can be difficult to find, while others can be very expensive. Knowing where to look and how to navigate the process can make all the difference. Here, we will walk you through different ways to obtain the DME you need, including insurance, VA benefits, and others.

Talk to your doctor first

Before you set out to purchase durable medical equipment, you should talk to your doctor, especially since certain devices, like oxygen concentrators, require a doctor’s prescription. Even if the device technically doesn’t require a prescription (for example, a walker or a cane), getting a prescription from your doctor could lower your cost because it could be covered by insurance like Medicare or Medicaid.

Medicare coverage of DME

If you’re enrolled in Medicare, you may qualify for coverage of medically necessary DME. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You are enrolled in Medicare Part B.
  • The DME is prescribed by a health care provider who is enrolled in Medicare.
  • The prescription includes a Standard Written Order (SWO) that contains all Medicare-required information, such as a general description of the item, the order date, and descriptions of any additional concurrently ordered options or accessories.

If you meet the above requirements and your device is on Medicare’s approved list of DME, you would pay just 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your deductible. In some cases, you may start by renting the equipment and own it after a certain number of payments have been made. In other cases, you may own the equipment outright. However, some items, like hospital beds and ventilators, are often rented indefinitely with no option to own.

Medicaid coverage of DME

If you’re enrolled in Medicaid or have both Medicare and Medicaid, you may be eligible to receive discounted or free durable medical equipment with a prescription. Medicaid’s qualifiers are similar to Medicare’s in that you must be enrolled and receive a qualifying prescription from a health care provider who participates in Medicaid.

One benefit of Medicaid is that it “has a broader definition of medical supplies, equipment and appliances and may cover [DME] that Medicare does not, including certain specialized equipment that promotes independent living outside the home.” To find out what’s covered, talk to your doctor about your specific needs. They can help you determine which device might improve your quality of life and guide you through the process of getting coverage.

Use VA benefits to get durable medical equipment

Veterans enrolled in VA health care may be eligible to receive free durable medical equipment. They may provide free devices and services that Medicare or Medicaid won’t cover. The Department of Veterans Affairs often covers more than Medicare and Medicaid do, including full coverage of items that would normally require a copay, and services like home and vehicle modifications to improve mobility and independence.

Through the VA’s Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS), Veterans may be able to access a wide range of equipment and services, including:

  • Mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, scooters).
  • Respiratory devices (CPAP machines, oxygen equipment).
  • Home modifications (ramps, grab bars, stair lifts).
  • Vehicle modifications (hand controls, wheelchair lifts).

To get started, talk with your VA primary care provider. You can also visit the VA Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services or use the VA facility locator to find care near you. 

Rent durable medical equipment

If you don’t have the money to purchase a durable medical device outright, or if you need it only temporarily, you may be able to rent it. Rental options are often more affordable in the short term, and some programs, including those supported by Medicaid, offer rent-to-own plans, allowing you to take ownership of the equipment after completing a set number of qualifying payments.

To start, look for a home medical equipment provider near you, as many offer rental programs. You can also explore online retailers that specialize in home medical equipment. For example:

Always check with your insurance provider to find out if rentals are covered under your plan, and be sure to ask the supplier about rental terms, maintenance responsibilities, and return policies before committing.

Find a local organization offering home medical equipment

Even with insurance or rental options, durable medical equipment can be expensive. If you’re facing financial barriers, consider reaching out to local organizations that offer free or low-cost medical equipment. Many communities have nonprofits, hospitals, or lending programs that can help.

Here are a few examples:

  • Easterseals: Some affiliates, like the Easterseals Iowa division, offer refurbished medical equipment for a nominal fee. You can search for your local Easterseals division to see if they offer a similar program.
  • Local hospitals: Some hospitals and health care organizations, like Methodist in Omaha, Nebraska, offer free DME loan programs. Contact hospitals or health care centers near you to ask about similar services.
  • Medical equipment banks: These community-based programs allow people to borrow DME at no cost. For example, several organizations in Washington operate equipment banks that lend out items like wheelchairs, walkers, and shower chairs. You can find more information about nonprofit medical equipment banks here.

To find these programs near you, search for “medical equipment lending program” along with your city or state. Local aging services, disability resource centers, and libraries may also keep lists of available resources.

Buy used durable medical equipment at a discount

If you’re looking to save money on durable medical equipment, buying used or refurbished devices can be a cost-effective option, especially for items like walkers, wheelchairs, and crutches, which you may be able to find on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Some medical equipment can be purchased at local nonprofit stores like Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Many reputable organizations and DME retailers offer certified refurbished equipment that has been cleaned, inspected, and restored to meet safety standards. 

However, not all equipment is safe to buy used. Avoid purchasing critical or complex medical devices, such as oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, or power wheelchairs, from platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. These devices often require professional calibration, regular maintenance, or new internal components, and you should only purchase them used if they are certified refurbished. Using a poorly maintained unit could pose serious health risks. Always talk with your doctor before purchasing any used equipment to ensure that it will meet your health needs.

Talk to professionals in your senior care community

If you live in a senior care community, such as an assisted living facility or a nursing home, you may have access to shared medical equipment like walkers or wheelchairs. Many facilities keep commonly used durable medical equipment on hand for long-term use by residents so they don’t have to purchase their own.

Staff members may also have connections with other resources in the area. They may be able to refer you to local agencies and programs where you can find low-cost or free medical equipment.

Find the durable medical equipment you need to live comfortably and safely

Finding the durable equipment you need may seem daunting, but there are many affordable and sometimes free options available. Whether you talk to your doctor, work with a local organization, or sign up for a rent-to-own program, you can get the equipment you need to live comfortably and safely.