DME Loan Closets and Medical Equipment Reuse in Pennsylvania

Last updated: 16 April 2026

Bottom line: Pennsylvania does not run one universal, state-owned durable medical equipment (DME) closet for every county. Instead, the best statewide starting point is TechOWL, Pennsylvania’s designated assistive technology program, plus the state’s nine regional Assistive Technology Resource Centers, your local Area Agency on Aging, and PA Link.

For many older adults in Pennsylvania, the fastest real-world help comes from a regional reuse program that gives away or long-term reassigns walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs, commodes, and similar items. That is different from insurance coverage through Medicare or Medicaid, and it is different from a classic short-term loan closet.

Emergency help now

• If there is an immediate fall, breathing, or transfer emergency, call 911 now.
• If hospital discharge is happening today and the home is not safe without equipment, tell the doctor, nurse, discharge planner, or home health team immediately and do not accept an unsafe discharge plan.
• Call TechOWL at 1-800-204-7428 and PA Link at 1-800-753-8827 for the fastest statewide referral routes.

What this help is, and what it is not

What it is: DME loan closets and reuse programs pass along used medical equipment and assistive technology (AT) that still has safe, useful life left. In Pennsylvania, that often means walkers, canes, manual wheelchairs, shower chairs, transfer benches, bedside commodes, toilet risers, and some daily-living aids.

What it is not: It is not the same as buying new equipment from a Medicare-enrolled supplier. It is not a guaranteed source for complex items like oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), hospital beds, stair lifts, or custom power chairs. It is also not a promise of delivery, installation, fitting, repair service, or insurance billing.

Why this matters in Pennsylvania: Many search results still send families to old pages using names like PIAT or REEP. Today, the main statewide system is TechOWL. Older Pennsylvania pages that mention Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) or the Reused and Exchanged Equipment Partnership (REEP) usually lead back to the same Temple University-based statewide assistive technology network.

Quick facts for Pennsylvania seniors

• No single statewide closet: Pennsylvania does not offer one official, all-purpose state warehouse for DME.
• Best official start: TechOWL is the state’s designated assistive technology program.
• Regional coverage matters: Nine Assistive Technology Resource Centers divide the Commonwealth by county.
• Older adult backup: Pennsylvania has 52 Area Agencies on Aging serving 67 counties.
• True short-term loans do exist: TechOWL’s lending library is free statewide; the usual loan is 5 weeks, 9 weeks for iPads, and users can borrow up to 3 items at a time.
• Shipping can help rural users: TechOWL says lending-library shipping is covered, a prepaid return label is included, and home pickup can be arranged for returns.
• But mobility gear is different: TechOWL notes that many mobility devices are in-person pickup only.
• Most community reuse programs are first-come, first-served: inventory changes fast and calling ahead is essential.

The best statewide starting points in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s most useful statewide route is not a single closet. It is a system. Start with the official statewide network, then move to the regional program that serves your county, then use aging and disability referral lines if the first option does not have the item.

Table 1. Best statewide starting points for free or low-cost medical equipment in Pennsylvania

Start here	Why it matters	Best for	How to reach it
TechOWL	Pennsylvania’s designated assistive technology program. It connects users to reuse, demos, funding ideas, and local partners.	Almost everyone starting from scratch	Call 1-800-204-7428
TechOWL county-by-county regional centers	The county map is one of the most practical Pennsylvania-specific tools online.	Finding the right regional reuse partner for your county	Use the county list on the regional-center page
TechOWL lending library	Free statewide “try before you buy” program. It is a real loan, not a permanent giveaway.	Trying devices, rural shipping, temporary needs, and backup while waiting for insurance	Online or by phone through TechOWL
PA Link	Pennsylvania’s Aging and Disability Resource Center network.	Older adults, caregivers, and people who need local referrals or help with next steps	Call 1-800-753-8827
Area Agencies on Aging	The local front door for aging services in Pennsylvania.	Seniors age 60+, caregivers, transportation questions, and county-specific referrals	Find your county office on the state list
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation	Not a closet, but an important fallback when free gear is unavailable.	Buying needed equipment or home-access items when reuse fails	Call 484-674-0506

Important Pennsylvania detail: If you see older Pennsylvania web pages using the names PIAT or REEP, do not assume the program is gone. In most cases, that older language now points to TechOWL or a TechOWL partner.

Pennsylvania programs beyond a classic loan closet

Some seniors do not really need a walker or wheelchair. They need a phone they can hear, a low-vision device, a communication tool, or equipment tied to work. Pennsylvania has state-specific routes for that too. TechOWL’s Free Special Phone Program helps eligible Pennsylvanians who cannot use a standard phone, and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation can help with assistive-technology evaluations, training, repairs, and referrals when equipment is needed for employment.

Major regional programs across Pennsylvania

This is where Pennsylvania becomes very local. Inventory, pickup rules, and service areas vary by county and by organization. The programs below are some of the strongest Pennsylvania-specific options for seniors and caregivers.

Table 2. Major regional DME reuse and loan-style options in Pennsylvania

Region	Program	Counties or area served	What to know
Southeast / Philadelphia	TechOWL Reused Equipment Program	Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia through TechOWL’s Philadelphia centers	Official statewide starting point. TechOWL also posts a current Philadelphia closet list. Call 1-800-204-7428.
Philadelphia local extra	CARES at Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic	Philadelphia area	Lends refurbished items such as manual wheelchairs, walkers, canes, shower benches, commodes, and bed rails. Call 267-789-2077.
Berks / Reading	Abilities in Motion LEAP	Based in Reading; useful especially in Berks and nearby areas	Loans walkers, canes, wheelchairs, shower benches, and other equipment free of charge. Call 610-376-0010.
Lehigh Valley and nearby eastern counties	Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living	Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Schuylkill	Offers reused commodes, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, amplified phones, and more. First-come, first-served. It does not accept hospital beds or installed items like stairlifts. Call 610-770-9781 ext. 123.
Northeastern Pennsylvania	UCP of NEPA Assistive Technology Resource Center	Bradford, Lackawanna, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming	Part of TechOWL’s reuse system. Donation drop-offs must be scheduled. Common accepted items include wheelchairs, transport chairs, shower chairs, commodes, walkers, and canes. Call 1-877-UCP-TECH.
North Central Pennsylvania	CIL of North Central PA “A New Start”	Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union	Accepts and redistributes equipment such as wheelchairs, shower chairs, commodes, portable ramps, rollators, transfer chairs, and video magnifiers. Call 570-327-9070 ext. 214.
South Central Pennsylvania	UCP Central PA Changing Hands	Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, York	One of the most useful programs for seniors. Equipment is restored and refurbished, and items are generally given to the user to keep or donate back later. UCP Central says it works mainly in Central PA but can distribute statewide when workable arrangements can be made. Call 1-800-998-4827.
Central and western Pennsylvania	AUCP Re-Use It	Based in Johnstown and Altoona, with wider Pennsylvania reach	Redistributes free medical equipment and assistive technology to Pennsylvanians who cannot afford it. Inventory lists often include walkers, canes, wheelchairs, and bathroom equipment. Call 814-915-4540.
Rural north and north-central west	LIFT Reused Equipment Program	Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, Potter	Very important for rural seniors. Offers reused equipment and temporary portable ramp loans. Call 1-800-341-5438 ext. 204.
Pittsburgh metro	CLASS Good Use Program	Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Indiana, Lawrence, Westmoreland	Provides DME and assistive technology at no cost. Donations are by appointment only and must be pre-approved and cleaned first. Call 412-683-7100 ext. 2179.
Mercer County area / far northwest	UPMC Medical Equipment Recycling Program	UPMC Horizon service area, especially Mercer County communities	Supplies refurbished wheelchairs, canes, walkers, bathroom equipment, and lift chairs. UPMC says volunteers help clean, refurbish, and deliver items. Call 724-347-6377.
Southwest / Laurel Highlands	TRPIL Assistive Technology	Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Somerset, Washington	A strong regional starting point for referrals, assistive technology help, and county-specific options in the southwest. Call 724-223-5115 ext. 7112.

Plain-English takeaway: Pennsylvania’s best help is regional. The name of the program that matters most depends on your county, not just your ZIP code. That is why the TechOWL county list, PA Link, and your Area Agency on Aging matter so much.

What equipment you can usually find in Pennsylvania

Most common:

• Walkers and rollators
• Canes and crutches
• Manual wheelchairs and transport chairs
• Shower chairs, shower benches, and transfer benches
• Bedside commodes and raised toilet seats
• Grabbers, sock aids, and other simple daily-living aids
• Some low-vision aids or amplified phones through assistive-technology programs

Sometimes available, but not dependable:

• Power wheelchairs and scooters
• Portable ramps
• Lift chairs
• Special seating or cushions

Often hard to find or not accepted:

• Hospital beds
• Stair lifts, vehicle lifts, and other installed equipment
• Oxygen, respiratory equipment, CPAP or BiPAP items
• Anything that is expired, sterile, hard to sanitize, damaged, or missing key parts

If your parent needs a hospital bed, oxygen, or a custom power chair, do not wait on a community reuse program alone. Go through the doctor, discharge planner, home health agency, and the insurance supplier route too.

How loans usually work in Pennsylvania

1) True short-term loans

TechOWL’s lending library is the clearest example. Anyone in Pennsylvania can use it for a disability-related need. TechOWL says the usual loan is 5 weeks, or 9 weeks for iPads. Users can borrow up to 3 items at once. Shipping is covered, a prepaid label is included, and returns can be dropped at UPS or picked up from home. If online access is difficult, TechOWL says it can take requests by phone.

2) Reuse or reassignment

This is what many Pennsylvania families actually mean when they search for a “loan closet.” Regional reuse programs take donated equipment, inspect and clean it, then pass it to the next user. In many cases, the item is yours to keep for as long as you need it, or to donate back later. That is how Changing Hands and several other Pennsylvania programs often work.

3) Insurance is a separate lane

Medicare Part B covers medically necessary DME through enrolled suppliers when a doctor or other provider orders it for home use. After the Part B deductible, many people pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. That process is separate from community reuse. A donated walker from a local program is helpful, but it is not the same as an insurance-supplied item with supplier billing and ongoing service.

What to ask before pickup

• Is the item still available? Inventory changes daily.
• Is it a loan or a permanent reassignment? Ask whether it must be returned.
• What size is it? Ask about seat width, height, weight capacity, and whether footrests, cushions, or chargers are included.
• Was it cleaned and safety-checked? Ask whether brakes, wheels, tips, arms, and batteries were inspected.
• What parts are missing? A wheelchair without footrests or a shower chair without rubber feet may not be safe.
• Do I need an appointment? In Pennsylvania, that answer is often yes.
• Can someone else pick it up for me? This matters for adult children and caregivers.
• Do you deliver? Assume no unless staff says yes.
• What documents should I bring? Some programs want basic contact information or a waiver form.

Transportation, delivery, and rural Pennsylvania problems

Assume pickup is your job unless a program says otherwise. That is one of the biggest problems for older adults in rural Pennsylvania. A closet may have the right walker, but it may be 60 miles away.

Good news: TechOWL’s lending library can ship many items statewide and covers return shipping too. That makes TechOWL especially valuable for rural users who need smaller assistive devices or who want to try equipment before buying. The catch is that TechOWL says many mobility devices are still in-person pickup only.

Another good exception: UPMC MERP says volunteers help deliver equipment in its service area. But most Pennsylvania programs do not promise delivery.

If the senior has Medicaid and the trip is tied to a covered medical service or a medical equipment supplier, ask the county Medical Assistance Transportation Program office whether transportation qualifies. Do not assume a reuse-closet pickup will count, but it is worth asking.

What to do if you live in rural Pennsylvania

• Start with TechOWL, not a web search listicle.
• Use the county-by-county regional-center page and do not stop at your own county line.
• Call PA Link and your Area Agency on Aging for local transportation and lesser-known community referrals.
• Ask hospital social work, rehab case management, or home health staff whether there is a nearby hospital-affiliated or faith-based closet that is not well listed online.
• If no free option is close enough, look at PATF financing and ask whether a safe used item can bridge the gap until insurance equipment arrives.
• Use GotDME as a national backup directory if Pennsylvania options come up empty.

What to do first

• Step 1: Write down the exact item needed. “Wheelchair” is not enough. Note manual or transport, seat width, indoor or outdoor use, and any weight limits.
• Step 2: Call TechOWL at 1-800-204-7428 and ask which regional program covers your county.
• Step 3: Call that regional program and ask what is in stock today.
• Step 4: If the senior is age 60 or older, call the local Area Agency on Aging for county referrals and transportation ideas.
• Step 5: If the need is urgent because of discharge, surgery, hospice, or a fall, ask the hospital or rehab team to work both tracks at once: insurance supplier and community reuse.
• Step 6: If free equipment is not available quickly enough, check PATF. As of April 2026, PATF says temporary loan terms that began on November 8, 2025 are in effect, including 0% interest with no fees on loans up to $2,000; because PATF calls those changes temporary, confirm current terms before applying.

What to gather or know first

• ☐ The senior’s county and ZIP code
• ☐ The exact equipment needed
• ☐ Size, height, seat width, and weight-capacity needs
• ☐ Whether the item is for short-term recovery or long-term use
• ☐ Whether someone can pick it up
• ☐ Doorway width, bathroom layout, and number of home steps
• ☐ Whether a doctor, therapist, or discharge planner recommended a specific type
• ☐ Whether Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance is also being used

Reality checks

• Inventory is never guaranteed: A program may have ten walkers today and none tomorrow.

• Free does not always mean easy: Many programs need appointments, waivers, and your own pickup plan.

• Not all equipment is safe for every user: A free chair that fits badly can cause falls, skin issues, or transfer problems.

• Rural users often need two plans: one for a local reuse option and one for shipping, transport, or a temporary purchase.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until discharge day to start calling
• Assuming every reuse program loans rather than gives away items
• Assuming every program delivers
• Forgetting to ask about size, weight limits, and missing parts
• Taking used power equipment without confirming battery and charger condition
• Donating equipment without calling first
• Relying only on Google results instead of the Pennsylvania county network

What to do if the first path does not work

• Call the next regional program, even if it is outside your county.
• Ask PA Link and your Area Agency on Aging to help widen the search.
• Use TechOWL’s lending library for temporary help while you wait for a permanent solution.
• Ask whether a simpler item will work for now. For example, a transport chair may solve an urgent short-term problem while you wait for a full wheelchair.
• If the real need is communication, hearing, vision, or work-related equipment, ask about TechOWL’s phone program or Office of Vocational Rehabilitation support.
• If free options fail, check PATF and then search GotDME for broader backup options.

Frequently asked questions

Is there one statewide Pennsylvania medical-equipment loan closet?

No. Pennsylvania does not operate one universal, state-owned DME closet for all counties. The statewide structure is TechOWL, its regional county network, and a patchwork of regional reuse programs run by Centers for Independent Living, UCP affiliates, hospitals, and community nonprofits.

What is the best statewide starting point for seniors in Pennsylvania?

The best first call is usually TechOWL at 1-800-204-7428. If the caller is an older adult or caregiver who needs local human help, add PA Link and the Area Agency on Aging right away.

Can a senior use TechOWL before Medicare or insurance approves equipment?

Yes. TechOWL’s lending library is separate from insurance approval and is free for Pennsylvanians with a disability-related need. That can be very useful when a family needs a temporary solution while waiting for supplier paperwork, prior authorization, or delivery.

What equipment is most common in Pennsylvania reuse programs?

The most common items are walkers, canes, crutches, manual wheelchairs, transport chairs, shower chairs, transfer benches, bedside commodes, and raised toilet seats. Harder items include hospital beds, stair lifts, respiratory equipment, and exact-size power mobility gear.

Will Pennsylvania programs deliver equipment to a rural home?

Usually not. Many programs require pickup. There are exceptions. TechOWL ships many lending-library items statewide, and UPMC MERP says volunteers help deliver in its service area. But most reuse programs do not promise delivery, so always ask first.

Can I donate equipment after my spouse or parent no longer needs it?

Usually yes, but call first. Many Pennsylvania programs require an appointment, may ask for photos, and will only accept items that are clean, safe, and in good working order. Programs often refuse broken equipment, soiled items, hospital beds, or installed items like stair lifts.

What if I live in rural Pennsylvania and cannot find anything nearby?

Broaden the search beyond your county. Use TechOWL’s county map, call PA Link, call your Area Agency on Aging, and ask about shipping, neighboring counties, and transportation. Then use GotDME as a national backup.

Will Medicare or Medicaid pay for reused equipment from a loan closet?

Usually not in the same way that they pay a medical supplier. Community reuse programs are separate from insurance billing. If the item is medically necessary and long-term, still work the supplier route through the doctor and insurer. Use reuse as a bridge or backup, not as proof that insurance has handled the need.

Resumen en español

Resumen breve: Pensilvania no tiene un solo armario estatal de equipo médico para todos los residentes. El mejor punto de partida es TechOWL, junto con los centros regionales por condado, PA Link y su Area Agency on Aging. Muchos programas regionales entregan andadores, sillas de ruedas manuales, sillas de ducha y cómodos, casi siempre por orden de llegada. En muchos casos no es un préstamo corto, sino una reasignación del equipo usado.

Si usted vive en una zona rural, pregunte primero por el lending library de TechOWL, porque algunos equipos se pueden enviar por correo dentro del estado. También puede buscar programas regionales como Changing Hands, CLASS Good Use o el programa que cubra su condado. Si no encuentra equipo gratis, PATF puede ayudar con préstamos de bajo interés o interés cero, según el caso. Si el alta del hospital es hoy y la casa no es segura sin equipo, hable de inmediato con el trabajador social, el planificador de alta o el equipo de salud en el hogar antes de salir.

About This Guide

This guide uses official federal, state, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.

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 April 16, 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 informational only and is not legal, financial, medical, or government-agency advice. Office procedures, transportation options, facility rules, supplier practices, and program availability can change. Always confirm current details directly with the official office, insurer, hospital, provider, or equipment program before you act.