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Kansas medical equipment guide
Last updated: 24 September 2026
Kansas has several ways to borrow, reuse, or obtain durable medical equipment (DME), but there is no single list covering every church, nonprofit, hospital, and local loan closet. The strongest statewide starting point is Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK), followed by local aging and disability offices and community loan closets.
Bottom Line
If you need a walker, wheelchair, shower chair, commode, patient lift, hospital bed, or similar equipment, call ATK at 1-800-526-3648 first. Ask about the KEE reuse program, short-term loans, and the regional partner closest to you. KEE provides eligible Kansans with refurbished equipment at no cost when suitable items are available.
Start Here
- Call ATK: Ask whether the item is available through reuse, a short-term loan, or a partner program. ATK’s current core services page confirms the statewide loan and reuse programs.
- Check local help: If ATK does not have a fast match, call the Kansas Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 1-855-200-2372 or your local Area Agency on Aging.
- Run insurance in parallel: If the equipment is medically necessary for long-term use, ask the doctor, therapist, discharge planner, Medicare supplier, or KanCare plan to start the coverage process while you look for a temporary loaner.
Quick Help by Situation
| Situation | Best first step | Ask this |
|---|---|---|
| You need equipment anywhere in Kansas | Call ATK at 1-800-526-3648 | Is the item available through KEE reuse, an ATK loan, or a partner closet? |
| You are in Wichita or nearby | Call Medical Loan Closet or MERN | Is the exact size available today, and what are pickup rules? |
| You are near Osage City, El Dorado, Emporia, Iola, or Topeka | Call RCIL | Which office has the item, and can it be loaned free of charge? |
| You are near Hutchinson, Pratt, or Dodge City | Call Beyond Barriers | Is the item in stock, and does the current application fee apply? |
| You do not know who serves your county | Call the Kansas ADRC | Which aging or independent-living office serves my ZIP code? |
What Has Changed
ATK now states that short-term equipment can be borrowed for up to four weeks. Its online loan inventory is under construction, so calling the regional AT Access Site is the safer first step for a loan request.
The current ILRC MERN page does not list the $10 refundable deposit that appeared in the May version of this guide. This update removes that unverified fee claim. MERN now tells borrowers to call ahead, and it states that it cannot pick up or deliver equipment.
The Wichita Medical Loan Closet network now lists additional Kansas locations. Its locations page includes sites in Newton, Pratt, Winfield, and Wellington, plus a specialty equipment center in Wichita. Hours and stock can change, so call before driving.
How Kansas Equipment Help Works
Kansas equipment help usually falls into three paths: reuse, short-term loans, and community loan closets. They can overlap, but the rules are different.
Reuse means donated or refurbished equipment is reassigned to another person. ATK says its Kansas Equipment Exchange (KEE) reuse program can provide eligible Kansans with quality refurbished equipment at no cost. Examples include manual and power wheelchairs, patient lifts, electric and semi-electric hospital beds, shower chairs, communication devices, and other health equipment. Availability depends on donations, so an item shown today may be gone later.
Short-term loans are designed to help a person try equipment before making a longer decision. ATK says devices may be borrowed for up to four weeks. Some devices require a professional consultant form. The ATK loan FAQ also explains that unavailable items may lead to a waitlist or a suggestion for a similar device.
Community loan closets are usually run by nonprofits, churches, Centers for Independent Living, or community groups. A local closet may not require a prescription or income test, but it can have fees, deposits, pickup rules, limited hours, or a small inventory. A closet is not the same as Medicare or Medicaid coverage.
If the equipment need is part of a wider health or independence problem, the Kansas disability help guide can help you find other state and local services.
Start With ATK and KEE
ATK is the best statewide first call because it combines device demonstrations, loans, reuse, and funding help. The program serves Kansans with disabilities or health conditions and operates regional AT Access Sites.
For reuse, check the live reuse inventory. The public list can show current categories and inventory numbers for items such as bath benches, commodes, hospital beds, patient lifts, scooters, shower chairs, and wheelchairs. Write down the inventory number before calling. Do not assume an item is reserved just because it appears online.
For a short-term trial, call 1-800-526-3648. ATK says the online loan database is currently under construction, and it asks borrowers to contact a regional site. If shipping is used, the ATK loan FAQ explains that UPS delivery and pickup windows may apply. For large equipment, always ask whether pickup is required and whether the item will fit your vehicle.
When Kansas TAP fits better
Not every equipment need is a walker or wheelchair. The Kansas TAP program provides specialized telecommunications equipment to people who qualify. ATK currently lists four main conditions: Kansas residence, telephone service, household income under $55,000 per year, and difficulty using a telephone because of hearing, vision, speech, memory, walking, or hand limitations.
For a broader view of state help beyond medical equipment, use the Kansas senior benefits guide.
Use Local Aging and Disability Offices
Kansas is a large rural state, and the nearest useful closet may be outside your town. If you do not know who serves your county, call the Kansas ADRC at 1-855-200-2372. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services says the ADRC connects older adults and people with disabilities to information, referrals, and options counseling.
Kansas has 11 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). The Kansas AAA network explains that these agencies provide information and referral, transportation help, caregiver support, health insurance help, and other community services. The state’s aging services map lists current regional contacts. GFS also has a county-focused Kansas AAA guide.
For disability-specific referrals, use the Kansas CIL directory. Centers for Independent Living often know about equipment programs, transportation, home access help, and local partners that are hard to find through a general web search.
Major Kansas Loan Closets
The programs below publish clear borrowing information. This is not a complete list. Inventory may change daily, and some programs serve a local area or expect pickup.
| Program | Area | Current rule |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita Loan Closet | Wichita and nearby users | No prescription, income, residence, or religious requirement is listed. A one-time suggested donation applies. Equipment may be kept as long as needed. No delivery. |
| ILRC MERN | Wichita area | Call ahead for availability. Loans and donations are handled at 3033 W. 2nd St. N. ILRC says it cannot pick up or deliver equipment. |
| RCIL DME loans | Osage City, El Dorado, Emporia, Iola, Topeka | RCIL says DME is available for loan free of charge in and around its listed communities. |
| Beyond Barriers closet | Hutchinson, Pratt, Dodge City region | The current page lists a $5 application fee for most items and $25 for powered items. Equipment is available as long as there is a need. |
| Lawrence medical closet | Lawrence and Douglas County | The library listing says gently used walkers, shower chairs, wheelchairs, and similar equipment may be borrowed. Call ahead. |
The Wichita Medical Loan Closet also lists additional Kansas locations. Its current locations page names sites in Newton, Pratt, Winfield, and Wellington, plus a specialty equipment center in Wichita. Because hours vary by location, call the main line at 1-316-779-8989 before making a trip.
If the equipment need is part of an immediate discharge, housing, food, or utility crisis, the Kansas emergency help guide may help with the wider problem.
Check Size, Parts, and Safety
The easiest equipment to borrow is often simple, sturdy, and easy to clean. Larger, powered, or customized equipment is harder because it needs the right fit, accessories, transport, and sometimes professional setup.
| Equipment | Ask about | Common problem |
|---|---|---|
| Walker or rollator | Height, brakes, wheels, seat, weight limit | Wrong height or weak brakes can increase fall risk. |
| Manual wheelchair | Seat width, footrests, brakes, cushion, weight limit | A poor fit can cause pain or unsafe transfers. |
| Hospital bed | Mattress, rails, controls, dimensions, transport | The bed may not fit through doors or in the room. |
| Patient lift | Sling type, weight limit, controls, training | A missing or wrong sling can make the lift unusable. |
| Power chair or scooter | Battery, charger, tires, controls, transport | A weak battery or missing charger can create a costly repair. |
Safety warning: Do not use oxygen, CPAP, BiPAP, nebulizer, or other respiratory equipment without appropriate medical guidance. A used device may also need cleaning, replacement tubing, masks, settings, or a prescription.
If ramps, bathroom changes, grab bars, or doorway access are also needed, see the Kansas home repair guide for separate home-modification and repair paths.
When Medicare or KanCare May Help
A loan closet can be a bridge, but it may not be the best long-term answer. If the item is medically necessary and the person has Medicare, Part B may cover certain DME when a doctor or other qualified provider orders it for home use. Medicare says that after the Part B deductible, the patient generally pays 20% of the Medicare-approved amount when the supplier accepts assignment. Coverage and rental rules differ by item, so check the official Medicare DME rules.
Use the Medicare supplier finder to search by ZIP code. Ask the supplier whether it is enrolled in Medicare and whether it accepts assignment before ordering equipment.
KanCare can also cover medically necessary DME under Kansas Medicaid rules, but documentation and prior authorization can apply. The Kansas Medicaid state plan says many covered DME items require medical-necessity or prior-authorization documentation. For member-specific coverage questions, call the appropriate managed care organization or use the KanCare contact page. The KanCare Clearinghouse number is 1-800-792-4884.
If you need help using Kansas medical or benefits systems online, the Kansas benefits portals guide explains the main state entry points.
Veterans may have additional DME or home-safety routes through VA care. The Kansas veteran help guide can help you find state and local veteran contacts while you work on the equipment need.
How to Start Without Wasting Time
- Write down the exact item, the size, the date needed, and whether it is temporary or long-term.
- Call ATK at 1-800-526-3648. If you saw an item in the reuse inventory, give the inventory number.
- Call the Kansas ADRC if you do not know your local aging or disability office.
- Call the closest loan closet. Ask for current stock before driving.
- If the item may be covered by Medicare, KanCare, VA care, or private insurance, ask the care team to start that process now.
- Confirm pickup time, vehicle size, fees, missing parts, cleaning, return rules, and who can safely move the item.
What to gather first
- Kansas ZIP code and county
- Exact equipment name
- Date the item is needed
- Height, weight, seat width, or other fit needs
- Door width, stairs, bathroom space, and floor surface
- Doctor, therapist, home health, or discharge-planner contact
- Medicare, KanCare, VA, or private insurance information
- Vehicle size and who can load the item
- Ability to pay a small fee or suggested donation if required
If a family caregiver is making calls and the care need is growing, the Kansas caregiver programs guide may help with longer-term support.
Phone Scripts You Can Use
ATK or KEE
“I am helping an older adult in [county]. We need a [specific item] by [date]. Is it available through KEE reuse, an ATK loan, or a partner closet? The person needs [size or feature]. What should we do next?”
Local loan closet
“Do you have a [specific item] available today? What size is it? Does it include all needed parts? Is there a fee, deposit, or suggested donation? Do we need an appointment, and do you offer delivery?”
Hospital discharge planner
“My family member cannot go home safely without [item]. Can you help us contact ATK or a local loan closet today? If the item is needed long term, can the doctor also start the Medicare, KanCare, VA, or insurance order?”
ADRC or AAA
“I am calling for an older adult in [county]. We need help finding [item] and may also need transportation or home support. Which Area Agency on Aging, Center for Independent Living, or local program should we call first?”
Reality Checks
- Inventory is the main limit. A program can be active and still have no suitable item today.
- Rural distance matters. The right program may be one or two counties away.
- Large items are harder. Hospital beds, lifts, scooters, and power chairs require more storage, transport, and parts.
- Free does not mean complete. A bed may need a mattress. A wheelchair may lack footrests. A lift may need the correct sling.
- Delivery is not automatic. Many closets require pickup, and some cannot help load large items.
- Insurance takes time. A loaner can solve an urgent gap while a longer coverage process moves forward.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Driving to a closet without calling first.
- Asking for a wheelchair without knowing seat width or weight needs.
- Forgetting to ask about footrests, cushions, chargers, slings, mattresses, or rails.
- Assuming delivery or setup is included.
- Waiting until discharge day to start looking.
- Using a temporary loaner instead of starting a needed long-term coverage request.
- Taking powered or respiratory equipment without checking condition, settings, and professional guidance.
Denied, Delayed, or Overwhelmed
If the exact item is not available, ask whether a safe substitute can work for a few days. A transport chair, standard walker, bedside commode, or transfer bench may be easier to find than the ideal long-term device.
If insurance denies the item, ask for the written reason, what documentation is missing, and how to appeal or request reconsideration. For KanCare problems, the KanCare contacts page includes the KanCare Ombudsman at 1-855-643-8180.
Backup Options
If the first calls fail, keep the search local and practical:
- Ask to be waitlisted. Also ask how often you should call back.
- Ask the care team. Hospital social workers, therapists, home health staff, and hospice teams often know local closets.
- Ask the county network. Your AAA or Center for Independent Living may know a church, civic group, or small nonprofit not listed online.
- Use a national finder. The federal Eldercare Locator connects older adults and caregivers to local services and can be reached at 1-800-677-1116.
- Use GFS national guidance. Our national DME guide explains reuse, loan closets, insurance, and other backup paths.
Resumen en Español
Kansas no tiene una sola lista que incluya todos los lugares que prestan equipo médico. El mejor primer paso es llamar a Assistive Technology for Kansans al 1-800-526-3648 y preguntar por KEE, préstamos cortos y programas regionales.
Si no sabe qué oficina sirve su condado, llame al Kansas ADRC al 1-855-200-2372. Antes de manejar para recoger equipo, confirme que el artículo esté disponible, pregunte por el tamaño, piezas, cuota o donación, transporte y reglas de devolución.
Si el equipo se necesita por mucho tiempo, también pregunte al médico o al plan de seguro sobre Medicare, KanCare, VA u otra cobertura. Un equipo prestado puede ayudar de inmediato, pero no siempre reemplaza una solución de largo plazo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one statewide Kansas loan closet list?
No. Kansas does not have one complete list covering every church, nonprofit, hospital, and community closet. Start with ATK and KEE, then use the Kansas ADRC, your Area Agency on Aging, and the Center for Independent Living serving your county.
Can a Kansas senior get a wheelchair at no cost?
Sometimes. KEE Reuse says eligible Kansans may receive refurbished equipment at no cost when a suitable item is available. RCIL also states that its listed DME loan program is free of charge. Availability depends on stock, size, location, and condition.
How long can ATK equipment be borrowed?
ATK currently states that equipment can be borrowed for up to four weeks. A service-provider loan may be shorter, and the exact due date comes with the device.
Do I need a prescription for a loan closet?
Often no, but rules differ. The Wichita Medical Loan Closet says no prescription is required. Medicare, KanCare, or specialized devices may require a medical order, documentation, prior authorization, or a professional form.
Do Kansas loan closets deliver equipment?
Do not assume delivery. The Wichita Medical Loan Closet says it does not deliver, and ILRC MERN says it cannot pick up or deliver equipment. Ask about transport before reserving a large item.
Can I donate used medical equipment in Kansas?
Yes. ATK, Wichita Medical Loan Closet, MERN, RCIL, Beyond Barriers, and other programs accept some donated equipment. Call first because programs differ on condition, soft goods, powered equipment, pickup, and storage space.
About This Guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, 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 guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Corrections
Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur. Email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections and we will respond within 72 hours.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, medical, tax, disability-rights, immigration, or government-agency advice. Program rules, policies, and availability can change. Readers should confirm current details directly with the official program before acting.
Last updated: 24 September 2026 · Next review: 24 January 2027
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