ALS patients can use a wide array of adaptive equipment along the course of their journey. Some equipment can be bought for a low price from a retailer, while other equipment must be prescribed, and can cost a significant amount of money.
Governments and charities often provide funding or equipment on loan to help ease the financial burden.
Adaptive equipment can be acquired from the following sources:
Equipment pools, and some government-funded equipment programs require the equipment to be returned in good working order. It is important to document the borrowed items on a worksheet to ensure they are accounted for and returned as required. Some smaller items from these programs may not need to be returned.
Adaptive equipment can often be purchased used from private sellers. While some jurisdictions have regulations that prohibit corporations from selling used medical equipment, private sales are generally permitted.
Used equipment being sold privately should be inspected for signs of misuse or neglect. Battery-operated devices may require new batteries to ensure safety, so this should be factored into the negotiation process.
Equipment that is damaged, worn, or missing parts might be challenging to repair. Medical equipment suppliers may not be willing to engage directly with private individuals and may not have replacement parts available for older models.
Renting equipment from a company can be a great way to save money, especially with equipment that may only be used for a short time before eventually moving to another solution. Selection of different models may be limited, but rental companies typically stick with equipment that is versatile and reliable as these characteristics positively affect their bottom line.
Renting equipment can also be a way to test a product before committing to buying it.
There are three distinct sources of financing for adaptive equipment:
Equipment that has not been prescribed by a medical professional will likely not be covered by government or private insurance.
Government programs and private insurance policies typically do not cover equipment deemed beyond what is necessary to perform a specific task or prolong survival. Products or features beyond such a level would need to be paid for out-of-pocket.
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) in Ontario Canada will pay for 50% of the cost of a power wheelchair.
If the patient has additional benefits from a private insurance company, it would likely pay for a percentage of the amount that was not covered by ADP.
For example, if the insurance company covers at a rate of 80%, it would be 80% of the 50% not covered by ADP, which is 40% of the total. This leaves 10% that must be paid for out-of-pocket.
Where:
50% is covered by the ADP
40% is covered by private insurance (80% of 50%)
10% is paid out-of-pocket
If the patient wants to get a feature on the wheelchair that is not covered by ADP, they may do so, but they would be responsible for its cost. The insurance company may still cover it, as it would be included in the portion that was not covered by ADP.