DME Loan Closets and Medical Equipment Reuse in Montana

Last updated: 10 April 2026

Bottom Line: Montana does not appear to have one official, senior-only statewide directory for every durable medical equipment (DME) loan closet. The strongest statewide route is MonTECH’s equipment loan program, backed by the Montana Aging and Disability Resource Center directory, the Area Agencies on Aging, and local county, hospice, senior-center, and nonprofit closets across Montana.

Emergency help now

• Call MonTECH at 406-243-5511 and ask whether the item can ship statewide, or whether same-day pickup is possible in Missoula or Billings.
• Call Montana’s aging network at 1-800-551-3191 during business hours and ask for the nearest “durable medical equipment loan closet,” “senior center medical equipment,” or “hospice loan closet.”
• If a hospital discharge or hospice start is happening now, call the discharge planner, home health office, or hospice today and ask them to line up the fastest local equipment source before the person goes home.

Quick help box

• Fastest statewide path: MonTECH.
• Best official local search tool: the Montana Aging and Disability Resource Center directory.
• Best phone route for local names: Montana aging network, 1-800-551-3191.
• After hours: Montana 211 is free and confidential, 24/7.
• If your county closet is empty: call the nearest Center for Independent Living.
• If coverage is the problem, not just access: call Montana SHIP at 1-800-551-3191.

What this help is, and what it is not

What it is: In Montana, DME reuse is a patchwork of statewide assistive-technology programs, Area Agencies on Aging, county aging offices, senior centers, hospice programs, and community nonprofits. These programs lend, reuse, or help match donated equipment with people who need it.

What it is not: A loan closet is not the same as a Medicare or Medicaid supplier. It is also not a guarantee that a certain item will be in stock when you call.

Why that matters: A community closet can solve the short-term problem fast. Insurance is the separate path for medically necessary long-term equipment.

Quick facts for Montana seniors

• Statewide directory: Our April 2026 review did not find one official, senior-only statewide directory of every Montana DME closet.
• Best statewide first stop: DPHHS describes MonTECH as Montana’s assistive technology program for Montanans with disabilities, including disabilities associated with aging.
• Typical MonTECH terms: loans are usually 30, 90, or 180 days, with up to 12 items at a time.
• Rural advantage: most MonTECH items ship free statewide, although some large items must be picked up in Missoula.
• Montana reach: In its 2024 annual report, MonTECH said it loaned 1,859 items to 793 Montanans and saved residents $331,459 through reuse.
• Best local phone line: the statewide aging help line is 1-800-551-3191, and the official Area Agencies on Aging contact list was updated in January 2026.

Best statewide starting points in Montana

Montana’s system works best when you use the statewide tools first, then local closets second. That is especially true if you live in a rural area, need the item quickly, or are helping a parent from another town.

Best statewide starting points for DME and equipment reuse in Montana

Starting point	Best for	Why it matters in Montana	How to reach it
MonTECH	Statewide borrowing, reuse, and trial equipment	Free loans, broad inventory, rural shipping, Billings and Missoula access	Equipment loans | 406-243-5511
Montana ADRC	Finding local resources by county or keyword	Official statewide search tool for aging and disability services	ADRC directory
Area Agencies on Aging	Local referrals, senior centers, county leads	Best phone route when websites are thin or outdated	Contact list | 1-800-551-3191
Centers for Independent Living	Backup referrals and limited temporary adaptive equipment	All Montana counties are covered through the CIL network	State CIL page
Montana 211	After-hours searching and urgent local help	Free, confidential, 24/7 service	Montana 211 | 211
SHIP	Medicare coverage and billing questions	Keeps insurance issues separate from reuse questions	Montana SHIP | 1-800-551-3191

Why MonTECH is the best first stop for most seniors

MonTECH is Montana’s closest thing to a true statewide equipment loan and reuse hub. The program is based at the University of Montana and is recognized by Montana DPHHS as serving people with disabilities, including disabilities associated with aging. Its loan library includes mobility items, daily-living tools, home-health items, transfer aids, vision and hearing tools, communication devices, and adaptive recreation equipment.

For rural Montana, shipping changes the math. MonTECH says most items can be shipped to borrowers outside Missoula at no cost, with free return shipping as well. Some larger items must still be picked up in Missoula, and some frequently requested items are available for local pickup through MonTECH’s Billings office.

Montana-specific extras matter too. MonTECH also runs a community buy-sell board, where people can give away, sell, or list a need for assistive equipment. If borrowing is not enough, the Montana Assistive Technology Loan program can help approved borrowers finance equipment, home modifications, or vehicle changes. For older farmers and ranchers, MonTECH’s AgEquipt inventory is one of the most Montana-specific options in the state.

Use the aging network for local leads

If you need names close to home, use Montana’s aging network. The official ADRC directory lets you search by county and service type, while the statewide aging line at 1-800-551-3191 can connect you with the right Area Agency on Aging during normal business hours. Ask the staff member to search for “loan closet,” “medical equipment,” “senior center,” “hospice,” and “wheelchair” in your county or nearby counties.

This matters because Montana is highly local. A useful closet may sit inside a senior center, a county aging office, a hospice program, or a church-backed nonprofit, and many of those programs do not keep a complete online inventory.

Centers for Independent Living are the best backup call

The state’s official Centers for Independent Living page says Montana’s CILs serve all counties and can offer information and referral, equipment recommendations, and a limited amount of adaptive equipment on temporary loan. If there is no center in your town, the state says an outreach worker from the closest center can come to you if needed.

• LIFTT: Billings and Glendive, covering much of south-central and southeastern Montana.
• North Central Independent Living Services: north-central and Hi-Line counties, including Cascade, Glacier, Hill, Roosevelt, and Valley.
• Ability Montana: southwest Montana, with offices in Helena, Bozeman, and Butte.
• Summit Independent Living: western Montana, including Missoula, Ravalli, Lake, Flathead, and Lincoln counties.

Major regional and community options in Montana

These are examples, not a full statewide list. They show how much local variation exists inside Montana.

Selected Montana loan closets and reuse leads by region

Region or community	Program	What stands out	Contact
Billings	The Lending Closet	Free short-term loans; lists walking boots, canes, crutches, knee scooters, shower chairs, toilet accessories, walkers, and wheelchairs	406-371-3650
Great Falls / Cascade County	Cascade County Aging Services	Free loans for small DME as long as needed; first come, first served; also gives unopened incontinence supplies	406-454-6990
Hamilton / Ravalli County	Ravalli County Council on Aging	County residents; donation requested; also points to Stevensville and Victor senior-center stock	406-363-5690
Deer Lodge / Powell County	Powell County Council on Aging	Limited inventory of walkers, canes, wheelchairs, and more; free; call first	406-846-9789
Big Timber / Sweet Grass area	Hearts & Hands Hospice at Pioneer Medical Center	Free loan closet for area residents; walkers, wheelchairs, bedside commodes, and more	406-932-4603
Superior / Mineral County	Superior Senior Center listing on Area VI site	Area VI posts a notice listing walkers, wheelchairs, canes, crutches, commodes, lift seats, and a transport chair	406-883-7284 | 1-800-266-4188
Eastern Montana	Action for Eastern Montana, Area I Aging	Best route for county manuals, local aging contacts, and eastern-Montana equipment leads	406-377-3564 | 1-800-227-0703

What equipment is commonly available in Montana

The easiest items to find are basic mobility and bathroom safety items. Across Montana programs, the most commonly listed items are walkers, canes, crutches, manual wheelchairs, shower chairs, bath benches, bedside commodes, toilet risers, and transport chairs. Billings also lists knee scooters and walking boots, and Cascade County lists small daily-living aids and unopened incontinence supplies.

The hardest items are usually the biggest or most specialized ones. Hospital beds, Hoyer lifts, power wheelchairs, scooters, custom seating, respiratory equipment, and heavily customized items are much less common in community closets. For example, Cascade County says it does not accept hospital beds, Hoyer lifts, power chairs, or scooters. If that is what you need, call MonTECH, the nearest CIL, hospice, or an insurance-approved medical supplier right away.

How loans usually work in Montana

Expect library-style rules, not store rules. Most Montana closets are donation-based community programs with changing stock.

• Call first: many closets do not post live inventory.
• Ask about service area: some programs help anyone, while others are county-based.
• Ask about cost: many programs are free, but Ravalli County asks for a monetary donation.
• Ask about length: MonTECH usually uses 30-, 90-, or 180-day terms, while Cascade County says it will lend items for as long as you need them.
• Ask about paperwork: some programs use a sign-out form or waiver; some operate more informally.
• Return items clean and complete: missing footrests, seat backs, tips, or chargers can make the next loan useless.

What to ask before pickup

• Is the item in stock right now?
• Does it fit the user’s height, weight, and strength?
• Has it been cleaned, checked, and tested?
• Are all parts included, such as footrests, brakes, tips, trays, or charger?
• Is there a time limit, donation request, or return deadline?
• Can someone else pick it up for me?
• What happens if it does not work out or feels unsafe?

Sanitation and condition questions matter

Do not skip this part. Community programs vary. Some, such as The Lending Closet in Billings, specifically mention maintenance, cleaning, and sanitizing. Cascade County asks donors for small, well-cared-for, clean items. Before you load anything into the car, check wheels, brakes, rubber tips, seat condition, rust, cracks, and missing hardware. If the fit is wrong or the item feels unstable, do not use it just because it was free.

Transportation and delivery in a very rural state

In Montana, the equipment may be free, but the trip may not be. MonTECH is the most rural-friendly program because it ships most items statewide at no charge. Local closets often expect the borrower or caregiver to handle pickup and return.

• Ask whether a caregiver or adult child can pick up for you.
• Ask your Area Agency on Aging or CIL about senior transportation or paratransit.
• Use the state’s public transit provider list to look for dial-a-ride or accessible transit in your county.
• If you have Full Medicaid or HMK Plus and the trip is for a covered medical service, call the state’s Medicaid Transportation Services at 1-800-292-7114 or 406-443-6100 before you travel. This is not a free equipment-delivery program, but it can help with approved medical travel.

What to do if you live in rural Montana and cannot find help nearby

Start statewide, then move outward. First, try MonTECH because shipping can beat geography. Second, call 1-800-551-3191 and ask the aging network to search your county and nearby counties. Third, call the nearest Center for Independent Living.

In eastern Montana, use regional aging staff on purpose. Action for Eastern Montana posts county contacts and resource manuals that can uncover smaller local leads. After hours, Montana 211 is a good backup. If you still strike out, use the national 211 network by ZIP code, especially if a family caregiver near another town or state line can help with pickup.

Keep community reuse separate from insurance coverage

These are two different paths. A Montana loan closet can get a walker or commode into the home quickly. Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance may still matter for long-term medically necessary equipment through enrolled suppliers.

Use the right help line for the right job. For Medicare questions, call Montana SHIP at 1-800-551-3191. For Medicaid member questions, use the state help line at 1-800-362-8312. If you suspect bad billing or equipment fraud, ask for help from Montana Senior Medicare Patrol rather than giving out more personal information.

What to do first

• Step 1: Write down the exact item you need and how soon you need it.
• Step 2: Call MonTECH and search its inventory.
• Step 3: Call 1-800-551-3191 and ask the aging network for county and nearby-county leads.
• Step 4: Call the closest local programs from the table above.
• Step 5: If local closets are empty, call the nearest CIL and ask for temporary-loan or referral help.
• Step 6: Keep the insurance path moving separately if the item may be needed long term.

What to gather or know first

• ☐ The exact item needed, such as walker, transport chair, shower bench, or bedside commode
• ☐ The user’s height, weight, and any seat-width or weight-capacity needs
• ☐ Whether the need is short term after surgery or likely long term
• ☐ Whether pickup is possible, or whether shipping is necessary
• ☐ Whether the person uses Medicare, Medicaid, VA, or private insurance
• ☐ Whether a caregiver can sign forms, pick up, or return the item
• ☐ Whether stairs, narrow doors, or bathroom layout make some items unsafe or unusable

Reality checks

• There is no perfect master list. Montana’s system is real and useful, but it is scattered.

• Inventory changes daily. The website may list wheelchairs, but the only one left may be the wrong size.

• Big items are hardest. Hospital beds, lifts, and power mobility are much less available than walkers or shower chairs.

• Pickup is often the real barrier. In rural Montana, distance can be a bigger problem than price.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Driving a long distance without calling first
• Assuming “free equipment” means “safe and correctly fitted”
• Mixing up a community loan closet with insurance coverage
• Waiting until the day of discharge to start calling
• Ignoring return rules, donation requests, or missing parts
• Giving out Medicare information because a stranger offers “free” equipment

What to do if the first path does not work

• Try MonTECH even if you already called a local closet.
• Call the Area Agency on Aging again and ask for nearby counties, not just your own.
• Call the nearest CIL and ask about temporary loan items, referral files, or outreach help.
• Ask hospice, home health, therapy, or a hospital social worker for community-only leads.
• Check MonTECH’s community buy-sell board before paying full retail.
• Use Montana 211 or the national 211 site if a nearby city or another state might have a workable lead.

Frequently asked questions

Is there one statewide DME loan-closet directory for Montana?

No. As of April 2026, we did not find one official, senior-only statewide directory that captures every Montana DME closet. The strongest statewide starting points are MonTECH, the ADRC directory, the Area Agencies on Aging contact list, and Montana 211.

What is the best first call for a rural senior in Montana?

Usually MonTECH, because it can ship many items across the state. After that, call 1-800-551-3191 so the aging network can search local and nearby-county options for you.

Can MonTECH really help if I live far from Missoula?

Yes. MonTECH says most items can ship to borrowers outside Missoula with free return shipping. Some larger items still require Missoula pickup, and some frequently requested items are available for pickup through MonTECH’s Billings office.

What equipment is easiest to find in Montana loan closets?

The most common items are walkers, canes, crutches, manual wheelchairs, shower chairs, bath benches, bedside commodes, toilet risers, and transport chairs. Large or specialized items, such as hospital beds, Hoyer lifts, scooters, and power chairs, are harder to find.

Are Montana loan closets free, and do I need a prescription?

Many Montana closets are free, but some request donations. A prescription is not always required for a community loan closet, but local rules vary. Insurance coverage is a different process, and for Medicare questions you can call SHIP at 1-800-551-3191.

Can an adult child or caregiver pick up equipment for a senior?

Often yes, but policies vary by program. Ask the closet whether a caregiver can sign forms, pick up, or return the item. This is especially important in rural Montana where the older adult may not be able to travel.

Where can I donate used medical equipment in Montana?

Good starting places include MonTECH, The Lending Closet in Billings, Cascade County Aging Services, and Ravalli County Council on Aging. Always call first. Many programs only accept clean items, and some will not take beds, power chairs, scooters, or worn equipment.

Resumen en español

En Montana, no parece existir un directorio estatal único y completo solo para armarios de préstamo de equipo médico. El mejor comienzo suele ser MonTECH, porque presta equipo gratis en todo el estado y puede enviar muchos artículos por correo. También conviene usar el directorio ADRC de Montana y llamar a la red estatal de envejecimiento al 1-800-551-3191 para pedir nombres locales. Esa llamada puede ayudarle a encontrar un senior center, una oficina del condado, un programa de hospice o un préstamo comunitario cercano.

Si vive en una zona rural, pregunte si el artículo puede enviarse, si requiere recogida en Missoula o Billings, y si otra persona puede recogerlo por usted. Montana 211 puede ayudar las 24 horas, y si tiene preguntas sobre Medicare puede llamar a SHIP de Montana. Recuerde separar los programas comunitarios de préstamo de la cobertura del seguro. Si el primer lugar no tiene inventario, pruebe un Center for Independent Living y el tablero de Community Buy-Sell de MonTECH.

About This Guide

This guide uses official federal, state, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article, including Montana DPHHS Aging Services, the Montana ADRC directory, MonTECH, Montana 211, and local Montana providers.

Editorial note: This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using official and other high-trust sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency, office, utility, facility, or program guidance. Individual outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Verification: Last verified 10 April 2026, next review August 2026.

Corrections: Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur. Email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, medical, or government-agency advice. Office procedures, utility policies, complaint routes, inventory, transportation options, and program rules can change. Confirm current details directly with the official office, provider, or program before you act or rely on any equipment source.