Medical Supplies & Equipment Assistance

Wound care supplies can be expensive. Here are real programs that provide free or low-cost bandages, dressings, medical equipment, and wound care supplies to patients in need.

Quick Tip

Many insurance plans cover wound care supplies with a prescription from your doctor. Always check your insurance benefits first!

Medical Equipment Assistance Programs

American Red Cross Medical Equipment Loan

What they provide: Wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, crutches, and other medical equipment

Cost: FREE loan (return when no longer needed)

Eligibility: Medical need, available equipment

Duration: As long as medically necessary

Find location: redcross.org - search "medical equipment loan"

Phone: Contact your local Red Cross chapter

Note: Not all chapters offer this program. Call your local office to check availability.

Lions Club Medical Equipment Program

What they provide: Wheelchairs, eyeglasses, hearing aids, mobility equipment

Cost: FREE or very low cost

Eligibility: Financial need and medical necessity

Special focus: Vision and hearing equipment

Find location: lionsclubs.org - contact local club

Phone: (630) 571-5466 (International office)

Community-based: Each Lions Club serves their local area. Contact your nearest club directly.

Hospital Medical Equipment Loans

What they provide: Wheelchairs, hospital beds, IV poles, wound care supplies

Cost: FREE loan for patients

Eligibility: Recent patient of the hospital

Duration: Short-term loans (usually 30-90 days)

How to access: Ask hospital case manager or social worker

Best time to ask: During discharge planning

Pro tip: Many hospitals have equipment they loan to patients. Always ask during your hospital stay.

Wound Care Supply Assistance

Maximize Your Insurance Benefits

Most insurance covers wound care supplies when prescribed by a doctor.

What's Usually Covered:

  • Prescription wound dressings
  • Compression bandages
  • Medical tape and gauze
  • Specialized wound care products

How to Get Coverage:

  1. Ask your doctor to write a prescription for wound care supplies
  2. Include medical necessity documentation
  3. Submit to insurance with supporting documentation
  4. Appeal if initially denied

Medical Device Manufacturer Programs

Smith & Nephew Patient Support

Products: Advanced wound dressings, negative pressure wound therapy

Program: Patient assistance for qualifying patients

Contact: (800) 876-1261

3M Medical Patient Assistance

Products: Wound care dressings, compression systems

Program: Product samples and patient support

Contact: Through healthcare provider

Acelity/KCI Patient Programs

Products: Wound VAC systems, advanced dressings

Program: Financial assistance for equipment rentals

Contact: (800) 275-4524

Community & Local Resources

🏪 Local Pharmacies

  • CVS ExtraCare Health: Diabetes and wound care supply programs
  • Walgreens myWalgreens: Health savings on medical supplies
  • Independent pharmacies: Often offer payment plans and discounts

Ask about: Cash discounts, manufacturer coupons, pharmacy assistance programs

Faith-Based Organizations

  • Catholic Charities: Medical supply assistance
  • Salvation Army: Emergency medical equipment
  • Local churches: Community medical supply funds

Contact: Call 211 to find local faith-based assistance programs

🏥 Medical Supply Closets

  • Hospital supply closets: Donated medical equipment
  • Nursing home partnerships: Equipment loans
  • Medical supply banks: Community-donated supplies

Find them: Ask hospital social workers or call 211

Online Discounts & Resources

Online Discount Programs

GoodRx

Savings: 10-80% off medical supplies

How it works: Show coupon at pharmacy

Website: goodrx.com

SingleCare

Savings: Discounts on prescriptions and supplies

How it works: Free membership card

Website: singlecare.com

Online Medical Supply Retailers

Vitality Medical

Specialty: Wound care and medical supplies

Benefits: Bulk pricing, insurance billing

Website: vitalitymedical.com

Medical Monks

Specialty: Discounted medical supplies

Benefits: Wholesale pricing for patients

Website: medicalmonks.com

How to Get Medical Supply Assistance

1

Get a Doctor's Prescription

Ask your doctor to prescribe the specific wound care supplies you need. Include:

  • Specific product names and sizes
  • Quantity needed
  • Medical necessity documentation
  • Frequency of dressing changes
2

Check Insurance Coverage First

Contact your insurance to find out:

  • What wound care supplies are covered
  • Your copay or deductible amount
  • Preferred suppliers or pharmacies
  • Prior authorization requirements
3

Apply for Assistance Programs

If insurance doesn't cover everything:

  • Contact manufacturer patient assistance programs
  • Apply to medical equipment loan programs
  • Check community resources (Red Cross, Lions Club)
  • Look into hospital equipment loan programs
4

Explore Discount Options

For out-of-pocket expenses:

  • Use GoodRx or SingleCare discount cards
  • Ask pharmacies about cash discounts
  • Check online medical supply retailers
  • Look for manufacturer coupons

Additional Financial Help

💊 Free Medications

Get free wound care medications through patient assistance programs.

Medication Help

🏥 Hospital Bills

Get help with hospital charges through charity care and payment assistance.

Hospital Assistance

🚨 Emergency Help

Need immediate financial assistance for medical supplies? Get emergency help.

Emergency Resources

Need Help Finding Medical Supplies?

Our patient advocates can help you navigate insurance coverage, find assistance programs, and locate low-cost suppliers for your wound care needs.

Get Help Finding Supplies Start Assessment