RICHMOND, Va (WTVR) - It's a dilemma more are finding themselves in. If insurance doesn't cover the cost of medical equipment, can you just go without?
One local charity is stepping in with a solution. The Free Foundation collects, cleans, and refurbishes expensive rehabilitation and mobility related equipment. It then gives away the pricey items to needy central Virginians for free.
"Basically we recycle used medical equipment such as walkers, wheel chairs, power chairs, you know durable medical equipment," said Jennifer Gray, a volunteer.
"A lot of people don't have insurance or if they do, it doesn't cover what you need to be comfortable."
The brain child of the Virginia Department of Rehab Services, the program was launched by Virginia Commonwealth University's Occupational Therapy Department a few year's back. They started the Richmond chapter with grant money and still staff the project with volunteers.
They offer everyday items like bath tub seats that retail at $50 dollars, up through electric wheelchairs that can cost upwards of $20,000.
You can apply online atfree-foundation.org or call 920-9828. The group is also always looking for donations and volunteers.
