Mobility Equipment Funding & Resources in Vermont

Medicaid Coverage in Vermont

Vermont has expanded Medicaid, which means more residents qualify for coverage. Under expansion, adults with household incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level are eligible for Medicaid, regardless of disability status. This broader eligibility makes it easier for many people to access DME coverage including wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers.

Key Medicaid Programs

Vermont Medicaid (Green Mountain Care)

Vermont's Medicaid program covering durable medical equipment including manual and power wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers, and related accessories when medically necessary and prescribed by a health care provider.

Choices for Care (Integrated HCBS Program)

Vermont's integrated home and community-based services program covering assistive technology, environmental modifications, home accessibility improvements, personal care, and supports for individuals at nursing facility level of care.

Attendant Services Program

Provides personal attendant services and supports including assistance with mobility, daily living activities, and access to assistive technology for individuals with significant physical disabilities.

Vermont Assistive Technology Program

The Vermont Assistive Technology Program (VATP) is Vermont's federally funded assistive technology program. These programs help people with disabilities access the equipment they need through several services:

Equipment demonstrations - Try before you buy. Test wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility aids before committing to a purchase.
Equipment loans - Borrow equipment temporarily while waiting for insurance approval or to determine if a device meets your needs.
Equipment reuse and exchange - Access refurbished wheelchairs, walkers, and other equipment at reduced cost or free.
Financial loans - Low-interest loans specifically for assistive technology purchases.
Information and referral - Expert guidance on navigating insurance, finding suppliers, and locating funding sources.

Contact Vermont Assistive Technology Program (VATP)

Phone: 1-802-871-3353

Website: https://dail.vermont.gov/

Area Agency on Aging

The VT Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) connects older adults and caregivers with local services including:

Referrals to mobility equipment programs and funding sources
Home modification assistance and safety assessments
Caregiver support services
Benefits counseling (Medicare, Medicaid, VA)
Connections to local meal delivery, transportation, and social services

Contact VT Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)

Phone: 1-802-241-2401

Website: https://dail.vermont.gov/

State Programs for Seniors and People with Disabilities

Vermont Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) Network

Network of five area agencies providing information, referral, and assistance accessing mobility equipment programs, home modifications, and community services for seniors across Vermont.

Vermont Senior HelpLine (Vermont 211)

Statewide resource connecting older adults and people with disabilities with mobility equipment programs, home modification resources, and community services through a single point of contact.

Vermont Housing Conservation Board - Home Accessibility Programs

Provides grants and assistance for home repairs including accessibility modifications such as ramps, grab bars, and bathroom modifications for low-income homeowners, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Nonprofit & Community Resources in Vermont

These organizations serve Vermont residents with free or low-cost mobility equipment, home modifications, and related services:

Vermont Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)

Coordinates Centers for Independent Living across Vermont offering equipment loans, demonstrations, peer support, and referrals to mobility equipment funding sources.

Habitat for Humanity of Vermont

Select affiliates provide home accessibility modifications including wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and widened doorways for low-income homeowners and people with disabilities across the state.

Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL)

Statewide Center for Independent Living providing assistive technology services, equipment lending, peer support, home modification assistance, and referrals to mobility equipment funding sources.

Veterans Resources in Vermont

Veterans in Vermont have access to both federal VA benefits and state-level veteran services. The VA provides wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and home modifications at no cost to eligible veterans through VA medical centers.

VT Office of Veterans Affairs

The state VA office can help you understand your eligibility, connect with VA medical centers in Vermont, and access state-level veteran benefits that supplement federal VA programs.

Website: https://veterans.vermont.gov/

For a complete guide to VA mobility equipment benefits, see our VA Benefits for Mobility Equipment article.

Vocational Rehabilitation

VT Division of Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. If a wheelchair, scooter, or other mobility equipment is necessary for you to work or participate in vocational training, VR may fund the equipment as part of your employment plan. This is an often-overlooked funding source.

Finding Medicare-Approved DME Suppliers in Vermont

Vermont has Medicare-enrolled DME suppliers primarily in the Burlington and Montpelier areas. As a rural state, many communities have limited local access to suppliers; some offer delivery services statewide. Use the Medicare.gov Supplier Directory to find approved suppliers near you.

To search for Medicare-enrolled DME suppliers, visit the Medicare.gov Supplier Directory and enter your zip code. When choosing a supplier, confirm they accept Medicare assignment and are a contract supplier if you live in a competitive bidding area.

How to Get Started

Check your insurance first. If you have Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, or private insurance, contact them about wheelchair or mobility equipment coverage. Use our Medicare Coverage Checker to find out what Medicare covers.
Contact your state AT program. Reach Vermont Assistive Technology Program (VATP) at 1-802-871-3353 for equipment demos, loans, and referrals.
Call your Area Agency on Aging. Contact VT Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) at 1-802-241-2401 for local resource referrals.
Apply to Medicaid waiver programs. If you qualify for Medicaid, ask about HCBS waiver programs that cover mobility equipment and home modifications.
Reach out to nonprofits. Apply to multiple organizations simultaneously, as processing times vary.
Explore used and refurbished options. Equipment lending closets, reuse programs, and community exchanges can provide immediate access.

Vermont Quick Facts