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7 Ways to Find Free medical equipment in Houston

If you’re looking for free medical equipment in Houston, Texas, you can utilize resources like your  Medicare coverage, the Nextdoor neighbor app, and Buy Nothing groups. These platforms can help you access the medical supplies you need at no cost if you are on a fixed-income.

I’m Nick Bryant, the author of Understanding Healthcare Is Half the Battle and a licensed Medicare agent here in Texas. This guide was created to help you find places to get low-cost or even free DME equipment in Houston.

I’ve worked for 13+ years helping people navigate local community resources and in this guide, I will share 6 places that you can turn to if you need a free wheelchair, walker, cane, or some other type of medical supply.

Continue reading to learn who you can call in Houston for low cost medical equipment.

1.) Free medical equipment From Medicare

If you have original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you can get free medical equipment. You’ll want to see if your Medicare coverage will provide you help in obtaining the specific DME that you need.

As a licensed Medicare agent, this is an area of expertise that I can definitely help you with. First, let’s talk about how Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) can help you with medical equipment.

How Medicare Works with Medical Equipment

After meeting the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount if your supplier accepts assignment.

Ways to avoid paying this 20% include having a Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage plan, being enrolled in Medicare Savings Program or being dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. If you need help exploring any of these money-saving options, just book a free consult with me, Nick Bryant, a Medicare agent here in Texas.

Medicare covers Durable Medical Equipment (DME) in different ways depending on the type of equipment:

  • Rental: You may need to rent the equipment.
  • Purchase: You may need to buy the equipment.
  • Choice: You may have the option to rent or buy the equipment.

Ensure your doctors and DME suppliers are enrolled in Medicare and confirm their participation before acquiring equipment.

Participating suppliers must accept assignment, meaning they can only charge you the coinsurance and Part B deductible. Non-participating suppliers are not bound by this limit and can charge more.

Medicare Part A – Hospital Coverage

Medicare Part A, often called “hospital coverage,” covers various services related to hospital admissions.

If you need home health care after being discharged from the hospital, you might qualify for free medical equipment. Here are some services that Medicare Part A may cover:

  • Part-time or intermittent nursing care
  • Medical supplies like catheters and ostomy bags
  • Durable medical equipment
  • Diabetes supplies
  • Physical, speech, or occupational therapy

Medicare Part B – Outpatient Coverage

Known as “medical insurance,” Medicare Part B covers outpatient services and medically necessary services, including:

  • Durable medical equipment like wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen tanks, and walkers
  • Outpatient physical, speech, and occupational therapy
  • Artificial limbs, eyes, and breast prostheses after a mastectomy
  • Arm, leg, and neck braces
  • One pair of eyeglasses after cataract surgery
  • Surgical dressings required to treat a wound

To learn more about if Medicare covers medical equipment, you can speak with your primary care doctor, checkout this DME page on Medicare.gov or contact Medicare at 800.633.4227.

Now, for personal guidance, navigating Medicare or learning if they will cover a piece of medical equipment, book a free consult with me or call me, Nick Bryant, at 281.870.3599.

2.) Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) can be a valuable resource if you’re seeking free medical equipment in Houston, Texas.

While they may not provide equipment directly, they can refer you to local providers who can help.

Visit the Elder Locator website, enter your zip code, and you’ll be presented with the organization that can assist you with free medical equipment in Houston.

3.) Nextdoor (Free medical equipment From Your Houston Neighbors)

Nextdoor is a free social network for neighborhoods. It’s a great tool for finding free medical equipment and supplies. You can request items like blood pressure monitors, diabetes test strips, wheelchairs, and walkers from your neighbors by posting on Nextdoor.

To request free medical equipment from your Houston neighbors, simply create a post asking for the healthcare equipment you need. Be cautious when meeting someone to pick up items, and consider bringing a family member or friend for safety.

4.) Houston Buy Nothing Groups for Free Medical Supplies

Buy Nothing Groups (BNGs) are local groups where people give away items they no longer need, including medical equipment. These groups can be a great resource if you’re on a fixed income or if your insurance doesn’t cover specific medical equipment.

Buy Nothing Groups in Texas

Here is a list of every Texas Buy Nothing Group. Checkout the list below to see if you can find neighbors in Houston who are giving away free medical equipment.

To join a Buy Nothing Group, find a Facebook group using the list above or download the Buy Nothing app.

Remember to stay cautious and bring someone with you when picking up items from these groups.

5.) Find Low Cost medical equipment at Thrift Stores in Houston

Thrift stores in Houston, like Goodwill, are great places to find low-cost medical equipment.

These stores often carry basic medical supplies such as crutches, walkers, and shower chairs at a fraction of the cost of new items. Checking local thrift stores regularly can help you find the equipment you need without breaking the bank.

Nick-Bryant-Houston-Medicare-broker
Nick Bryant is a Medicare agent in Houston Texas who offers a free course called the Medicare Hour to help you understand how Medicare works.

6.) List of Nonprofits in Texas that Offer DME

You can use this article to find non-profits near Houston, Texas to get used medical equipment. You will find non-profits and social service agencies in every major city in Texas.

7.) Call 211 For More Help Finding Free Wheelchairs and More

If you cannot find any local agencies in Houston for free to low-cost medical supplies or equipment, you can call the United Way. To get connected to the Houston United Way, dial 211 on your phone.

The United Way is a community resource helpline that connects you to supportive services in Houston, Texas that you need. Again if you are having trouble finding free medical equipment, housing, medical resources, or anything else just call 211.

Conclusion

To find free medical equipment in Houston, use your Medicare benefits, the Nextdoor neighbor app, Buy Nothing groups, or call the United Way.

These agencies can help you access the medical supplies you need at no cost. This includes free wheelchairs, canes, crutches, incontinence supplies and more.

If you need more, contact me, Nick Bryant. In addition to working in community resources in the Houston area for 13+ years, I’m also a licensed Medicare agent. You can reach me at 281.870.3599 or [email protected].

Overview7 Ways to Find Free medical equipment in
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