Find help when challenging insurance companies for coverage of complex power mobility devices.
To learn more, see “As the Wheel Turns — The Best Offense is a Good DEFENSE.”
General resources
Aging & Disability Resource Centers
www.adrc-tae.org
Benefits counselors will examine your case, find out what’s missing from your appeal and provide advocacy services.
Area Agencies on Aging
(800) 677-1116
www.eldercare.gov
Information and Referral Service (I&R)
I&R programs connect people with appropriate organizations. Check local phone listings.
National Assistive Technology Advocacy Project
(716) 847-0650
www.nls.org/natmain.htm
Sponsored by Neighborhood Legal Services, the project assists people seeking funding for AT devices through Protection & Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT) programs, which provide free help to those denied coverage of AT equipment.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners State Departments of Insurance
(866) 470-6242
www.naic.org/state_web_map.htm
Consumers can file a request for assistance in resolving an insurance problem, as well as file a complaint against an insurance company.
National Disability Rights Network — Protection & Advocacy Systems
(202) 408-9514
www.ndrn.org
Legal representation and advocacy services for people with disabilities.
National Patient Advocate Foundation
(202) 347-8009
www.npaf.org
Patient Advocate Foundation
(800) 532-5274
www.patientadvocate.org
Locating a lawyer
American Bar Association
www.abanet.org
Consumer guide to free legal help (by state), including federally funded and pro bono programs.
LawHelp.org
Find free local legal aid programs.
National Academy of Elder-Law Attorneys
(520) 881-4005
www.naela.org
Searchable state directory for attorneys specializing in disability-related issues.
Neighborhood Legal Services
(716) 847-0650
www.nls.org
Free help for people with disabilities.
Help with Medicare/Medicaid
Center for Medicare Advocacy
(860) 456-7790
www.medicareadvocacy.org
Medicare Rights Center
(202) 544-5561
www.medicarerights.org
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
(800) 633-4227
www.shiptalk.org
Offers one-on-one counseling and assistance for people with Medicare.
Alternative funding sources
To learn more about alternative funding sources, read “Playing the Money Game,” May-June 2008 and “Funding Freedom,” May-June 2006.
First Hand Foundation
(816) 201-1569
www.firsthandfoundation.org
Helps families of children with health problems with grants for medical expenses, durable medical equipment, van lifts/ramps, living expenses when traveling for medical care.
State Alternative Financing Loan Programs
(703) 524-6686
http://69.89.27.238/~resnaorg/AFTAP/state/RESNA.html
State Departments of Vocational Rehabilitation
www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/TypeQuery.exe?902
(Also check your telephone directory under “state listings.”)
Power wheelchair & scooter manufacturers
Check with the manufacturers’ funding department
Amigo Mobility International
(800) 692-6446
www.myamigo.com
Convaid
(888) 266-8243
www.convaid.com
Golden Technologies
(800) 624-6374
www.goldentech.com
Graham-Field
(800) 347-5678
www.grahamfield.com
Invacare
(800) 333-6900
www.invacare.com
Merits Health Products
(800) 963-7487
http://meritshealth.com
MV Power Wheelchairs
(907) 262-9695
www.mvpowerwheelchairs.com
PaceSaver Leisure Lift
(800) 225-0285
www.pacesaver.com
Permobil USA
(800) 736-0925
www.permobilusa.com
Online tool for generating a letter of medical necessity.
Pride Mobility
(800) 800-8586
www.pridemobility.com
Funding resource center located at
http://www.pridemobility.com/resourcecenter/index.asp.
Ranger All Season
(800) 225-3811
www.rangerallseason.com
Redman Power Chair
(800) 727-6684
www.redmanpowerchair.com
Shoprider
(800) 743-0772
www.shoprider.com
Sunrise Medical
(800) 333-4000
www.sunrisemedical.com
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