State Assistance for Home Medical Equipment, Supplies and Assistive Technology

  

Assistive Technology Projects	Assistive Technology Projects Contacts
Non-Medicaid Programs	Protection and Advocacy Programs

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The federal Assistive Technology Act funds projects in all 50 states, Washington DC and 5 US territories with the objective of increasing aging individuals’ and /or disabled persons’ access to assistive technology.  According to the Act, assistive technology (or “AT)” is defined as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.”  This is a rather broad definition and fortunately most home medical equipment can be included in it.  

Each State AT Project is run independently and provides varying services and supports.  However, there are components which are common to nearly every state AT project.

Device / Equipment Loan Programs
These programs lend durable medical equipment and assistive technology devices to individuals on a temporary basis with the primary objective of allowing persons who are looking to purchase to try out the devices first.  However they also lend to individuals whose equipment is being replaced, repaired or that have a short term need for whatever reason.  Loans can last anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months, but the majority of loans are made for less than a month.  Some states make exceptions and will lend for longer periods of time to those individuals with terminal illnesses.

Each state has different numbers and types of items available but generally speaking the following categories of equipment are available for loan.
- Daily Living Aids
- Augmentative Communication / Sensory Aids
- Computer Hardware and Software
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
- Environmental Controls
- Mobility Devices

The Device Loan Programs also provide expertise in the areas of fitting the equipment and training individuals and caregivers to use the assistive technologies.  Most loan programs do not charge individuals for a loan or if they do, the fees are extremely small, perhaps $5.

Device Recycling / Exchange Programs
These programs solicit donations of used medical equipment and assistive devices.  They refurbish, sterilize and test the devices to make sure they are functioning properly and then re-sell the devices at extremely deep discounts.  Another component of these programs are their classified ads and matching services.  They maintain lists of equipment for sale locally as well as equipment which is needed.  They provide a matching service with no fees to the buyer or seller.  

Low Interest Loans and Grants
Most states also have funding available to help individuals purchase assistive devices or medical equipment.  They may distribute those funds in the form of low interest loans or outright grants.  It is worth noting that these organizations may not publically discuss these programs because they have such limited funds available.  One might need to request assistance or meet certain undisclosed eligibility criteria.

Contact information for each state’s assistive technology project is provided in the table below.  Click on the program name to go to their websites.

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