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New Jersey medical equipment guide
Last updated: 14 September 2026
If you need a walker, wheelchair, shower chair, commode, hospital bed, lift, scooter, or other durable medical equipment, start with the route that matches the person’s age, disability, insurance, and deadline. New Jersey has several useful programs, but no single verified statewide directory covers every local loan closet.
Bottom Line: For an adult age 60 or older, start with New Jersey’s county aging offices or call 1-877-222-3737. For disability-related help, call the DDS referral team at 1-888-285-3036. For local community referrals, dial 211 or use NJ 211. At the same time, ask the doctor and insurance plan about long-term coverage if the equipment will be needed for more than a short recovery.
Urgent help: If discharge is today and the person cannot safely transfer, toilet, bathe, walk, or sleep at home without equipment, tell the hospital discharge planner before leaving. Ask exactly what equipment is being ordered, who will supply it, when it will arrive, and what the backup plan is if it is delayed. Call 911 for an immediate medical emergency.
Start here:
- Name the exact item, size, and deadline.
- Call the county aging office, DDS, or NJ 211 based on the person’s situation.
- Check reuse or low-cost equipment while insurance is processing a long-term request.
| Situation | Start here | Ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Age 60+ and needs basic equipment | County aging office | Nearby loan closets, reuse programs, delivery help, and caregiver supports |
| Disability is central | Division of Disability Services | Assistive technology, DME reuse, local disability programs, and cross-county referrals |
| Need local referrals today | NJ 211 | Loan closets, nonprofit equipment programs, faith-based closets, and transport help near the ZIP code |
| Can buy low-cost reused gear | Goodwill Home Medical | Current stock, size, price, pickup, delivery, and included parts |
| Needs specialized assistive technology | AT network | Device trials, short-term loans, communication tools, and reuse options |
| Needs equipment long term | Doctor and health plan | Prescription/order, covered supplier, prior authorization, rental rules, and appeal steps |
What Has Changed
Goodwill Home Medical now lists two New Jersey locations: Bellmawr and Woodbury Heights. Fair Lawn Medical Equipment Gemach still offers free local equipment loans, but hospital beds and hospital cribs are now handled through its separate Hospital Bed Exchange rather than the local loan program.
Where to Start in New Jersey
Do not call every program on the internet. Start with the office that matches the reader’s situation. For older adults, the Aging and Disability Resource Connection can route the call to the correct county. The statewide number remains 1-877-222-3737. Our New Jersey aging offices guide can help you prepare before calling.
The New Jersey Division of Disability Services provides live information and referral during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It can help people with disabilities navigate state and county services. It is a referral service, not an equipment warehouse.
NJ 211 is useful when you need local community leads. It accepts calls, chat, and text. You can dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211. The listings can change by ZIP code, so tell the specialist the exact item and deadline.
If the equipment need is part of a larger benefits problem, our New Jersey benefits guide covers food, utilities, housing, healthcare, and other state programs. For disability-shaped needs such as transportation, home access, and care support, use our New Jersey disability help guide.
Free, Loaned, and Low-Cost Equipment
A community loan closet can be the fastest bridge for a short recovery. A reuse program may instead sell, donate, or exchange used equipment. These routes are separate from Medicare or Medicaid coverage.
| Program | What it does | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| Fair Lawn Gemach | Free loans of wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, shower chairs, commodes, scooters, and other equipment | Inventory changes. Hospital beds and cribs use a separate exchange program. |
| Bikur Cholim loan | Loans wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, bath benches, shower chairs, and commodes | The program serves members of the Jewish community of Middlesex County and lists a 250-pound limit for standard wheelchairs. |
| Back In Action | Helps individuals request, donate, sell, or exchange used assistive technology | Users arrange the exchange. Ventilators, oxygen equipment, catheters, hearing aids, and other high-risk items are not listed. |
| Goodwill Home Medical | Sells sanitized and refurbished equipment at lower cost and says no prescription is required to buy | It is usually a purchase, not a free loan. Call first for stock. |
| Technology Lending Center | Free assistive-technology borrowing for New Jersey residents | Best for trying AT devices; it is not a replacement for every local walker or hospital-bed closet. |
Goodwill Home Medical
Goodwill Home Medical refurbishes donated equipment and sells it at affordable prices. Its current Goodwill locations page lists Bellmawr and Woodbury Heights. Bellmawr remains the main showroom and warehouse. Call 1-609-396-1513 before traveling. Ask whether the exact item and size are in stock.
Large items may be delivered for a fee. The current delivery rules list distance-based delivery charges and an added setup charge for delivered hospital beds. Fees can change, so confirm the total before paying. If donating equipment, check the current donation list first.
Assistive Technology Advocacy Center
Disability Rights New Jersey’s Assistive Technology Advocacy Center supports device demonstrations, short-term loans, and reuse. Its current ATAC services page explains the program. The state also maintains an assistive technology page with hearing, vision, communication, and reuse resources.
For a broader explanation of DME loan closets and how to judge a used device, see our national DME guide.
Hearing, Communication, and Specialized Technology
The Technology Lending Center is free for New Jersey residents who want to try assistive technology. It lists 1-888-695-0845 and 1-609-882-4182 for help choosing a device.
For residents with hearing loss, the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing runs an DDHH equipment program. Eligible residents can receive certain telecommunications and visual home-safety devices at no cost, subject to funding and availability.
The specific DDHH program page says the household income limit is not greater than 400% of the federal poverty level. For 2026, it lists $63,840 for one person and $86,560 for two people. A broader state disability page currently uses conflicting wording about this income test. Because DDHH administers the program, this guide follows the DDHH page. If your income is close to the limit, confirm with DDHH before applying.
If the main need is hearing aids rather than alerting or communication equipment, our hearing aid help guide covers New Jersey and national payment paths.
Medicare, NJ FamilyCare, and Long-Term Equipment
A free loan can solve an immediate gap, but long-term equipment often belongs on the insurance path. Ask the doctor for an order that clearly states the equipment, medical reason, and expected length of need.
Medicare DME coverage includes many medically necessary items when a doctor or other provider orders them for use in the home. Examples include walkers, commode chairs, hospital beds, oxygen equipment, patient lifts, wheelchairs, and scooters. Under Original Medicare, the usual cost is 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible when the supplier accepts assignment.
Use Medicare’s supplier finder before ordering covered equipment. For plan questions or denials, New Jersey’s SHIP counseling program provides free Medicare help at 1-800-792-8820.
For NJ FamilyCare, call 1-800-701-0710 or use the state’s NJ FamilyCare contacts. Managed care members should also call the number on the health plan card before using a supplier.
New Jersey’s current DME recycling rule says the Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare fee-for-service programs use a recycling contractor for certain medically necessary equipment when reuse is available and cost-effective. This does not mean every used item is covered or immediately available.
If the person also needs help with bathing, dressing, transfers, meals, or supervision, ask about MLTSS, New Jersey’s Medicaid managed long-term services and supports program. Our New Jersey home care guide explains how equipment and care needs can overlap.
Check Size, Safety, and Pickup Before You Go
The wrong equipment can create a fall or transfer risk. Ask about size, weight limits, missing parts, cleaning, batteries, and transport before accepting a device.
| Equipment | Check first | Common problem |
|---|---|---|
| Walker or rollator | Height range, brakes, wheels, rubber tips, weight limit | Wrong height or worn brakes |
| Manual wheelchair | Seat width, weight limit, footrests, brakes, transport size | Chair does not fit the person or vehicle |
| Commode or shower chair | Width, height, armrests, bucket, rust, cleaning method | Unstable fit in a small bathroom |
| Hospital bed | Delivery, setup, rails, mattress, electrical needs, pickup later | No safe way to move or install it |
| Patient lift | Lift type, sling size, weight limit, caregiver training | Wrong sling or unsafe transfer technique |
| Power chair or scooter | Battery, charger, brakes, turning space, ramp access | Dead battery or device too large for the home |
Reality check: A free hospital bed, lift, or scooter can still create costs if you need a mover, delivery, setup, repairs, a battery, or a replacement part. Ask who pays for each part of the process before agreeing to take the item.
If the home also needs a ramp, grab bars, bathroom changes, or doorway work, our NJ home repair guide covers repair and accessibility help.
How to Start Without Wasting Time
- Name the exact item. Say “standard wheelchair,” “bariatric rollator,” “transfer bench,” or “semi-electric hospital bed.”
- Write down the ZIP code. Local programs often depend on county, town, pickup distance, or service area.
- Measure before pickup. Record the person’s height and weight plus door, bathroom, stair, and vehicle measurements.
- Call two routes the same day. Try the county or DDS route and one reuse option. Do not wait for one callback before starting the next path.
- Start insurance early. If the item will be needed long term, ask the doctor and health plan to begin the covered-equipment process.
- Confirm stock before driving. A website list does not prove that the item is available today.
Have this ready:
- County, town, and ZIP code
- Exact equipment type and size
- Height, weight, and bariatric needs
- Doorway and bathroom measurements
- Discharge date or other deadline
- Doctor’s order if insurance may be used
- Medicare or NJ FamilyCare plan information
- Name of the person who can pick up the item
Phone Scripts That Save Time
County aging office
“I am helping a New Jersey resident age 60 or older in [county]. They need a [specific item] by [date]. Do you know a free or low-cost loan closet, reuse program, or delivery option near [ZIP code]?”
Disability referral team
“I am helping a person with a disability who needs [specific item]. Can you help us find assistive technology, DME reuse, or a loan program serving [county]?”
Hospital discharge planner
“The person cannot safely [transfer, toilet, bathe, or sleep] at home without [item]. What equipment is being ordered, who is supplying it, when should it arrive, and what is the backup if it is delayed?”
Insurance or health plan
“My doctor ordered [item] for home use. Is it covered, do I need prior authorization, which suppliers can I use, and what is the appeal process if it is denied?”
Reality Checks
- Inventory changes fast. Call before traveling.
- Local rules differ. A faith-based, county, or diagnosis-specific program may have a limited service area.
- Pickup can be the biggest barrier. Ask about stairs, delivery, setup, and removal.
- Power equipment needs extra checks. Ask about the battery, charger, controls, tires, and repair history.
- Respiratory equipment needs care. Do not treat a community reuse listing as a substitute for a clinician or approved supplier when oxygen, CPAP, or other prescribed respiratory equipment is involved.
- A loan may be temporary. Start the insurance route if the person will need the device for months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until discharge day to start calling
- Asking for “medical equipment” instead of naming the exact item
- Driving to a warehouse or closet without confirming stock
- Borrowing a wheelchair without checking seat width and weight limit
- Taking a lift without confirming the correct sling and caregiver training
- Assuming NJ 211 or DDS directly owns the equipment
- Stopping after the first “no” instead of asking for the next county or nearby program
- Using a short-term loan when a long-term covered order is needed
Denied, Delayed, or Overwhelmed
- If a closet has no stock: ask when to call back and who else nearby may have the item.
- If insurance denies: ask for the reason in writing and the appeal instructions. For Medicare, call SHIP.
- If the doctor order is vague: ask for the exact equipment type, medical need, size, and expected length of use.
- If the home is unsafe: tell the discharge planner or county office that the person cannot safely remain at home without equipment.
- If several needs are urgent: use our NJ emergency help guide for food, shelter, utilities, and other immediate routes.
Backup Options
- Ask the hospital or rehabilitation social worker for local closets not easily found online.
- Ask whether a nearby county will serve your ZIP code.
- Try disease-specific groups for ALS, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or cancer.
- Ask a Center for Independent Living about equipment, transportation, and home-access resources.
- Use refurbished equipment when a free loan is unavailable and the item can be safely reused.
- If state websites are confusing, our NJ benefits portals guide explains which official site handles common tasks.
Resumen en español
Si una persona mayor necesita una silla de ruedas, andador, silla de baño, cómoda, cama de hospital u otro equipo médico, empiece con la oficina de envejecimiento del condado. El número estatal es 1-877-222-3737. Si la necesidad está relacionada con una discapacidad, llame a la División de Servicios para Personas con Discapacidades al 1-888-285-3036. También puede marcar 211 para pedir referencias locales.
Para equipo usado o de bajo costo, pregunte por Goodwill Home Medical, Back In Action, Fair Lawn Medical Equipment Gemach y el Technology Lending Center. Confirme el inventario antes de viajar. Si el equipo será necesario por mucho tiempo, pida una orden médica clara y llame a Medicare, NJ FamilyCare o su plan de salud para preguntar por proveedores, autorización previa y apelaciones.
Para el programa de equipos de la División de Personas Sordas y con Dificultades Auditivas, la página oficial del programa dice que el ingreso familiar no debe superar el 400% del nivel federal de pobreza. Para 2026, muestra $63,840 para una persona y $86,560 para dos personas. Confirme directamente con el programa si su ingreso está cerca del límite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one statewide DME loan closet in New Jersey?
No. New Jersey has statewide referral and assistive-technology programs, but we could not verify one official directory that lists every local DME loan closet. Start with the county aging office, DDS, and NJ 211, then use reuse programs.
Where should I start for a walker or wheelchair?
If the person is 60 or older, call 1-877-222-3737 for the county aging network. If disability services are central, call DDS at 1-888-285-3036. Also call NJ 211 for nearby community programs.
Is Goodwill Home Medical free?
Usually no. Goodwill Home Medical mainly sells sanitized and refurbished equipment at affordable prices. It can still be useful when free loan closets have no stock.
Can NJ FamilyCare reuse medical equipment?
For fee-for-service coverage, New Jersey regulations provide for recycling certain medically necessary DME when reuse is available and cost-effective. Managed care members should call their health plan and NJ FamilyCare for the rule that applies to them.
Can I borrow assistive technology to try it?
Yes. The Technology Lending Center offers free assistive-technology borrowing for New Jersey residents. ATAC also supports device demonstrations, short-term loans, and reuse.
What if I cannot transport a large item?
Ask about delivery before accepting the item. Confirm the delivery cost, stairs, setup, and who removes the equipment later. For a hospital bed or lift, transport and setup can be as important as finding the item.
About This Guide
Sources: This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources linked in the article.
Editorial note
This guide is produced under the GFS Editorial Standards using official and other high-trust sources. GFS is not affiliated with a government agency and is not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Corrections
Despite careful verification, errors may occur. Readers may email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections.
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, funding, and availability can change. Readers should confirm current details directly with the responsible official program before acting.
Last updated: 14 September 2026 · Next review: 14 January 2027
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