A new wheelchair can cost hundreds of dollars, and a power wheelchair or hospital bed can cost thousands. But whether you need equipment for a few weeks after surgery or for the long haul, there are many ways to get it free or at very low cost.
Here's where to look, starting with the fastest options.
1. Borrow from a medical equipment loan closet
Loan closets are like libraries for medical equipment. People donate items they no longer need, and the closet cleans them and lends them out, usually free or for a small refundable deposit. Many let you keep an item as long as you need it.
What they often have: manual wheelchairs and transport chairs, walkers and rollators, canes, crutches, knee scooters, shower chairs and benches, raised toilet seats, bedside commodes, and sometimes hospital beds, lift chairs, or power wheelchairs.
Where to find one:
- Churches and faith groups. Many congregations run a loan closet for the whole community, not just members.
- Centers for Independent Living. These disability-led nonprofits serve every state, and many keep a loan closet.
- Senior centers and your Area Agency on Aging. Find yours through the Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov or 1-800-677-1116.
- Service clubs such as Lions, Rotary, and Kiwanis, plus some fire departments and veterans' groups.
- Local chapters of health organizations. Groups that serve people with conditions like ALS often lend specialized equipment.
- Dial 211. Ask for "medical equipment loan programs" near you.
- Search online for "medical equipment loan closet" plus your city or county.
Inventory changes quickly, so call ahead and ask what's available, whether there's a deposit, and how long you can keep the item.
2. Contact your state's assistive technology program
Every state and U.S. territory has an Assistive Technology (AT) Act program, and many people have never heard of them. Depending on your state, they may offer:
- Device reuse: refurbished wheelchairs, walkers, and other equipment given away or sold at low cost
- Short-term loans: borrow a device to try it before you buy, or while yours is being repaired or you're waiting on insurance
- Equipment exchanges: listings where people give away or sell used equipment
- Low-interest loans to help buy equipment in some states
Find your state's program on the AT3 Center's directory at at3center.net/state-at-programs.
3. Use your health coverage
Medicare
Medicare Part B covers wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, hospital beds, and other "durable medical equipment" when your doctor says you need it for use in your home. A few things to know:
- You'll need a doctor's order. For wheelchairs, your doctor usually needs to see you in person and document why you need one to get around your home.
- Costs: after you meet the yearly Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), Medicare pays 80% of its approved amount and you pay 20%. A Medigap plan or Medicaid may cover that 20%.
- Use a Medicare-enrolled supplier that accepts assignment. Otherwise you could pay much more, or Medicare may not pay at all. You can search for suppliers at medicare.gov.
- Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least what Original Medicare does, but they may require in-network suppliers or approval first. Call your plan before you order.
Medicaid
Medicaid covers medically necessary equipment in every state, often with little or no cost to you. Rules and approval steps vary by state, so ask your doctor's office or your Medicaid plan how to start.
Private insurance
Most health plans cover some medical equipment with a prescription. Call the number on your card and ask about "durable medical equipment" coverage, approved suppliers, and whether you need prior approval.
Veterans
Veterans enrolled in VA health care can get wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility equipment through the VA when a VA provider prescribes them. Start with your VA care team. Not enrolled yet? See our help for veterans guide.
4. Ask your care team
Hospital social workers, discharge planners, physical therapists, home health nurses, and hospice teams know where the local equipment is. They can often arrange a loaner before you even leave the hospital, or point you to a closet that doesn't advertise. Just ask: "Do you know where I can borrow or get this free?"
5. Buy secondhand, carefully
- Thrift stores like Goodwill often carry donated walkers, canes, and wheelchairs at a fraction of retail.
- Buy-nothing groups and online marketplaces often list equipment for free or cheap from families who no longer need it.
- Check before you take it home: working brakes, tires with no cracks, a seat that's not torn, and no wobbles or bent frames. For a wheelchair, the seat width and height need to fit the person using it.
Make sure it fits and is safe
Free equipment only helps if it fits. A wheelchair that's too wide, too narrow, or the wrong height can cause sores, falls, or shoulder pain. If you'll use a wheelchair or walker every day, ask a physical or occupational therapist to check the fit and adjust it. They can also show you and your caregivers how to use it safely.
A simple plan if you need something soon
- Ask your doctor or the hospital social worker what you need and whether they can arrange a loaner.
- Call 211 or a local loan closet for something to use right away.
- If you'll need it long-term, start the Medicare, Medicaid, insurance, or VA process with your doctor's order.
- Contact your state AT program to borrow while you wait or to find a refurbished option.
Program rules and costs change, and local options vary, so check with each organization for current details.
Have equipment you no longer need?
That walker in the closet or the wheelchair in the garage could be someone's chance to get home from the hospital, go to a grandchild's game, or move around safely. Donate gently used equipment to a local loan closet, Center for Independent Living, or your state's AT reuse program. Call first to ask what they accept. It's one of the easiest ways to give a chance.
More help: our disability help guide covers benefits, health coverage, and your rights; help for seniors covers in-home help and Medicare questions; transportation help lists free rides to medical appointments; and 30 ways to support a caregiver has ideas for the people helping you.