DME Loan Closets and Medical Equipment Reuse in Nebraska

What Has Changed

• League routing is updated. The League of Human Dignity’s current office page was updated in August 2026 and lists Nebraska offices in Lincoln, Omaha, Norfolk, and North Platte. This guide no longer sends readers to an older Kearney League listing.
• Use HELP’s direct address. HELP’s current site lists 8522 Park Drive, Omaha, NE 68127. An older address still appears on ATP’s reuse-partner page, so use HELP’s own current page before driving.
• Lincoln DME contact is clearer. Aging Partners directs durable-medical-equipment questions to 1-402-441-7032. Ask for the current pickup location before driving because City pages show different department addresses.
• ATP remains appointment-based. ATP continues to say loan, demonstration, reuse, and donation activity is handled case by case and by appointment.

Best Statewide Routes

What to Gather Before You Call

• The exact equipment name. “Wheelchair” may mean manual, transport, power, or bariatric.
• The user’s height and weight.
• Seat width or other measurements if a therapist gave them.
• The date the equipment is needed.
• Whether the need is temporary or long term.
• Whether you can pick the item up and what vehicle you have.
• For powered equipment, whether you need a charger, battery, or training.
• For a lift, whether you have the correct sling and know how to use it safely.
• For a hospital bed, whether you need a mattress, rails, delivery, and setup.

If disability services, home care, transportation, or accessibility changes are also needed, the Nebraska disability help guide can help with the next steps.

Nebraska Options by Region

Lincoln and southeast Nebraska

Aging Partners DME lists crutches, walkers, canes, wheelchairs, bath chairs, toilet risers, and other lightly used or new items. The current DME page directs people to call 1-402-441-7032 to ask about available items. An older Aging Partners DME fact sheet described the service for adults age 60 and older, but the current DME page does not restate that eligibility rule, so confirm eligibility by phone.

ATP Lincoln is another strong route. Equipment pickup and drop-off is at 500 S. 84th St. and is by appointment. For southeast Nebraska outside Lincoln, ATP’s ReUse Network also identifies Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging as a partner whose equipment can vary. Because the direct Blue Rivers website does not list a standing DME inventory, call Blue Rivers AAA at 1-402-223-1376 or 1-888-989-9417 before assuming an item is available.

Omaha and eastern Nebraska

The Methodist loan program provides free home medical equipment through a reuse program for people who are unable to afford equipment. Methodist lists bedside commodes, canes, crutches, dressing equipment, manual wheelchairs, shower chairs, walkers, and other items. Call 1-402-807-3062. Based on the client’s need, equipment may be loaned for up to six months.

HELP rentals are a low-cost backup when free stock is gone or the need is for a larger item. HELP says anyone may use the rental service and there are no income qualifications. Many items can be rented for up to one year. Larger-item delivery and pickup may be available in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro for a mileage-based fee. The current location is 8522 Park Drive, Omaha, NE 68127, and the phone is 1-402-341-6559.

Central and western Nebraska

Independence Rising services include an Equipment Rental Loan Program. The organization says it serves 50 counties in central and western Nebraska and offers different services as free, sliding-fee, or fee-for-service programs. Its equipment program is listed under fee-for-service programs, so ask what applies to the item you need.

The current Independence Rising contacts include Grand Island, Gothenburg, Scottsbluff, Kearney, North Platte, and Chadron. For people with disabilities, this can be a useful route when the nearest town does not have a public closet.

The League services include equipment loan and rental, information and referral, accessibility help, and independent-living support. Its current League office list routes Nebraska callers through Lincoln, Omaha, Norfolk, and North Platte. Call the closest office and ask whether the item is available locally or through a partner.

Match the Equipment to the Right Route

A reused item may solve a short-term problem, but a permanent ramp, doorway change, or bathroom modification may need a different funding path. The Nebraska home repair help guide covers repair and accessibility programs.

Medicare, Medicaid, and Permanent Equipment

A community loan or rental can fill a gap, but it is separate from the normal insurance billing process. If equipment will be needed long term, ask the doctor, therapist, or discharge planner whether a covered DME order should be started at the same time.

Medicare

Medicare Part B can cover medically necessary durable medical equipment ordered by a doctor or other health care provider for use in the home. The current Medicare DME rules list items such as walkers, hospital beds, wheelchairs, scooters, commode chairs, and other equipment. Medicare says that after the Part B deductible, the beneficiary generally pays 20% of the Medicare-approved amount when the supplier accepts assignment.

Before accepting an item from a commercial supplier, confirm the doctor and supplier are enrolled in Medicare and ask whether the supplier accepts assignment. You can also use the Medicare supplier directory.

If Medicare costs are making it harder to afford other medical needs, see the Nebraska Medicare Savings guide.

Nebraska Medicaid

Nebraska Medicaid has a durable medical equipment, medical supplies, orthotics, and prosthetics handbook. The state says the Nebraska Medicaid DME handbook is the primary provider resource for coverage requirements, limitations, forms, billing, and payment information. Coverage can depend on the item and medical need, so ask the enrolled provider what documentation or authorization is required for your case.

Veterans

Veterans should ask their VA care team or local veteran service office about medically necessary equipment and home-access needs. The Nebraska veteran benefits guide lists state and local routes.

Pickup, Delivery, and Safety

• Call before driving. Confirm the item, pickup address, hours, appointment rule, and whether staff can hold it.
• Measure first. A wheelchair must fit the person, doorway, vehicle, and home. A hospital bed or lift needs enough room for safe use.
• Check every part. Look at brakes, wheels, footrests, rails, chargers, batteries, remotes, slings, cushions, and fasteners.
• Ask about cleaning. Methodist says donated equipment is inspected and sanitized. HELP says donations are inspected for function and cleaned before rental.
• Ask about delivery early. HELP offers larger-item delivery and pickup in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area for a fee. Other programs may require pickup.
• Get training when needed. A lift, transfer device, or powered chair can cause injury if used incorrectly. Ask a therapist or trained clinician to show you safe use when appropriate.

Watch for DME Fraud

The Nebraska Department of Insurance has warned about suspicious Medicare billing involving durable medical equipment. Do not give your Medicare number to an unsolicited caller who promises “free” braces, supplies, or equipment. Review Medicare Summary Notices for items you did not receive.

For free Medicare counseling or suspected fraud, contact Nebraska SHIP and SMP at 1-800-234-7119. The state’s DME fraud warning explains the billing problem reported in Nebraska.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting until discharge day to start the search.
• Asking only for “a wheelchair” without the type, size, or weight limit.
• Driving to a closet without confirming inventory and appointment rules.
• Forgetting to ask about delivery, deposits, return dates, or renewal terms.
• Taking a power device without the correct charger or a working battery.
• Taking a patient lift without the correct sling or safe-use instruction.
• Assuming a community rental fee will be paid back by Medicare or Medicaid.
• Using an old address from a partner list instead of checking the provider’s current page.

Donating Equipment

ATP, Methodist, HELP, Aging Partners, the League, and other local partners may accept selected equipment. Call first. Programs may refuse broken, dirty, highly customized, expired, or difficult-to-sanitize items.

Before calling, write down the item name, brand, condition, age if known, whether all parts are present, and whether you can deliver it. For ATP donations, equipment activity is appointment-based. Methodist asks donors to call 1-402-807-3062. HELP also asks donors to check its current acceptance rules before bringing equipment.

Phone Scripts