I inquired about possible assistance from the NMSS for medical equipment and received this very helpful email. It has lots of assistance options and links with valuable information. I wanted to share it here so others could take advantage of the help offered. Here it is:

There are a variety of resources that might be able to help fund a piece of assistive technology or durable medical equipment, like a rollator. I have included information about the process and possible funding sources in the email below in addition to including information about our financial assistance application.

PROCESS:

Please see these articles for some basic information about theprocess:

Finding the Right Stair Lift, Ramp, and Wheelchair : National MS Society

Affording Stair Lifts, Ramps, and Wheelchairs : National MS Society


POTENTIAL FUNDING RESOURCES:

NATIONAL MS SOCIETY’S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

The National MS Society has a limited financial assistance program that can be used for an MS-related expense, like assistive technology or durable medical equipment. We ask that you access your health insurance and community resources first, but please feel free to apply to our program if you need assistance. I have attached our cover letter and application above. Note: you will want to return the completed application to the contact information listed on the cover letter. Do not return it to me, as I am in a different office.


COMMUNITY RESOURCES:

Here is information about four organizations that are often able to help:

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF)
6520 N. Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: 888-673-6287
Fax: 954-351-0630
Email: support@msfocus.org
Website: http://www.msfocus.org/

Eligibility:
Persons with MS who have need for financial assistance for equipment or services. An application is required for most of MSF’s grant programs.
Services Information:
The MSF offers the following financial assistance programs:

• Assistive Technology Program: http://www.msfocus.org/Assistive-Tec...y-Program.aspx
  • This program links individuals with MS to a wide range of devices that allow them to function more independently in activities of daily living.
  • MSF may provide, locate, or help with funding for needed AT device.
  • See website for examples of eligible devices.
• Brighter Tomorrow Grant: http://www.msfocus.org/Brighter-Tomorrow-Grant.aspx
  • Applications/essays are accepted July 1 – September 1 each year.
  • Application must be submitted with an essay from the applicant. (See website for details.)
  • Grant of up to $1000 for items like ramps, wheelchairs, walkers, eyeglasses, home modifications

MS Association of America:
706 Haddonfield Road
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Phone: 800-532-7667
Fax: 856-661-9797
Email: msaa@msassociation.org
Website: http://msassociation.org/
Eligibility:
Persons with MS who need financial assistance for cooling vests, MRI exams and
personal use equipment. Also serves people who need an initial MRI to establish a
diagnosis of MS. An application is required for each MSAA grant program.
Services Information:
The MSAA offers the following financial assistance programs:

• MSAA Equipment Distribution Program: http://www.msassociation.org/programs/equipment/
  • Program provides each applicant with up to 3 free products designed to improve their safety, dignity, mobility and independence.
  • Applications are accepted throughout the year. (See website for details.)
  • Applicant must submit an Equipment Distribution Program Application along with a note from the treating doctor confirming the applicant’s MS diagnosis.
  • Items distributed through the program include a variety of bathroom & home safety products such as shower chairs, grab bars and hand rails as well as mobility devices including canes, walkers and wheelchairs.
  • See application for descriptions of equipment offered.

Friends of Man
P.O. Box 937
Littleton, CO 80160
Phone: 303-798-2342
Website: http://friendsofman.org/

Eligibility:
Applications are accepted from U.S. residents and must be submitted by an agency on behalf of the individual. Rent, utilities, deposits, past due bills and reimbursement are not eligible requests for this program.

Services:

• Serves persons in need of financial assistance for temporary childcare, durable medical equipment, eyeglasses, hearing aids, dental needs (including dentures), prostheses, medicine, and more.
• All requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

ModestNeeds.Org
115 E 30th Street, FL1
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-463-7042
Website: http://www.modestneeds.org/help/grants/

Eligibility:
§ At least 18 years of age
§ Legal resident of the United States or Canada
§ Intend to apply for assistance either for yourself, or for a person living in your home
§ Household has at least one active bank account
§ Have regular access to a computer and the Internet and can check your email the Modest Needs website daily for the entire time that your application is active;
§ Have the ability to access either a scanner or a fax machine at my home, my place of business, or a shop like FedEx Business or Office Max for long enough to send the documentation that Modest Needs will request from me during the grant application process to Modest Needs' office for evaluation; and, if you rent (rather than own your residence)
§ Household has a legal lease that my landlord and a member of your household both have signed. This lease shows the monthly cost of your apartment, whether or not you pay all of this amount.

Services Information:
Offers the following types of grants:

• Self-Sufficiency Grants
• New Employment Grants
• Independent Living Grants
• Bridge Grants

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any other questions or concerns, please do feel free to contact us by phone at 1-800-344-4867 or by email at contactusnmss@nmss.org to have an MS Navigator assist you.