Walking canes have multiple purposes.
They are most often used by seniors who require some help to walk.
Aging brings many medical needs and conditions.
A walking cane can help someone who is experiencing pain or weakness or who needs help with balance.
White canes for the blind are also a necessary tool for navigating spaces independently.
If you’re looking for where to get a free walking cane, here’s a handy guide to help you out.
Where Can You Get a Free Walking Cane for Seniors?
Walking canes are available for free or reduced cost for most seniors.
A walking cane is designated as durable medical equipment (DME) by most insurance programs, including Medicare and Medicaid.
DME is defined as something that is medically necessary and will be used over and over again.
See also: Best Walking Canes of 2022.
How to Get a Free Walking Cane?
The most common way to acquire a free walking cane is to have the cost covered by medical insurance.
For many seniors in the United States, this will include coverage for durable medical equipment covered by Medicare Part B.
There are a few other options also.
The cost could be covered by private medical insurance or a veterans health care program.
You may also find non-profit programs such as the Area Agency on Aging that provide free walking canes for seniors.
Walking Cane Rental
There are medical supply companies that rent durable medical equipment such as walking canes.
These companies offer daily, weekly, or monthly rentals.
You may pick it up at a location near you or have the cane delivered.
Renting would be a good option if your insurance program stipulates that you must rent to have the cost covered by the program.
Donate Walking Cane
It is possible to donate walking canes that are no longer needed.
There are national and state programs that accept donations of walking canes.
Goodwill, shelters, and Area Agency on Aging also accept donations of canes to help low-income seniors get the medical equipment they need.
Check your local donation agencies to see if they have canes available for you at a low cost or for free.
How to Get Free White Canes for the Blind?
A white cane is a lifeline for those who are deprived of sight.
It is a necessary tool for navigating their environment independently and with confidence.
The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest organization advocating for blind Americans.
They coordinate programs and services for the blind community.
They have a free white cane program that has a simple application.
You fill out the form with your name, address, and size for the white cane.
There are some conditions that you must accept.
It must be more than six months since your last request for a white cane, and the cane must be for personal use.
You may also request a white on behalf of a child under the age of eighteen.
Does Medicare Cover Walking Canes?
Medicare is a health care program for senior citizens in the United States.
A prescription is not necessary for a cane.
However, obtaining a prescription from your doctor for one can mean that your costs are covered in part or whole by Medicare.
Medicare Part B can cover up to 80% of the cost of durable medical equipment.
Remember that DME has a specific definition under each health care program that may vary by program.
A Medicare Supplement plan can help with costs of co-insurance and deductibles.
Medicare Advantage plans can include more options and assist with out-of-pocket expenses.
You need to see the details of your plan under durable medical equipment.
Some of the stipulations include having a doctor and medical supply company that both participate in Medicare.
Your Medicare-certified physician may also need to provide proof that a walking cane is medically necessary for you.
Does Medicaid Cover Walking Canes?
Medicaid is a health care coverage program for low-income Americans.
You must apply and qualify for Medicaid coverage, and Medicaid programs vary by state.
You can call your state Medicaid office for help with your application and find out if you are eligible for coverage.
If you are a member of a Medicaid program, it will usually cover durable medical equipment.
There is a specific process for obtaining coverage under Medicaid for a walking cane. There are four steps to the process.
- First, you must obtain a medical justification letter outlining your need for the item.
- You submit the letter to a Medicaid-approved medical equipment supplier.
- The equipment company submits a prior approval application to Medicare.
- If Medicare approves the claim, then the supplier will send you the cane and bill Medicare.
If the claim is denied, you will receive a denial letter.
Does MDwise Cover Walking Canes?
MDwise is an Indiana-based, non-profit medical insurance program targeted at vulnerable populations who require health coverage.
The Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) is the state program for eligible applicants who are 19-64 years old.
Walking canes are classified as durable medical equipment under the HIP and are eligible for coverage.
Cost is covered by a HIP Plus or HIP State Plus plan.
The first $2,500 of medical expenses is paid from the member’s Personal Wellness and Responsibility (POWER) Account in these plans.
The POWER Account is like a health savings account.
The state of Indiana makes most of the contributions to this account.
The member is responsible for a monthly donation based on income.
A doctor must approve your need for durable medical equipment under your Healthy Indiana Plan.
An approved medical equipment company must supply the cane.
Conclusion
A walking cane for seniors and white canes for the blind are vital pieces of medical equipment.
They bring security and independence to many people.
There are many ways to get a free walking cane for seniors.
Private insurances, veterans benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid plans can cover all or most of the cost.
If you need a walking cane, check with your insurance provider to find out how to get the price of your cane covered.
White canes for the blind are available for free to anyone from the National Federation of the Blind.
