Funding Resources for Medical & Adaptive Resources -A Polio Survivors Guide

Written and Published by:

Post-Polio Health International and Michigan Medicine Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

“Living well with a physical disability in the United States is an expensive proposition. Most medical insurance coverage is very limited, sometimes nonexistent, for expenses needed to acquire necessary medical equipment, even ventilators for people who are unable to breathe adequately or wheelchairs for people unable to walk. ‘Medically Necessary’ criteria for coverage are not uniform between plans, co-pays or coverage limitations can be burdensome and spending limitations often lead to poor quality items. Almost no insurance plans contribute to costs for architectural modifications of homes, vehicles, clothing or adaptive equipment that could increase one’s independence, productivity and/or Quality of Life. Consequently, many US citizens with physical impairments feel like they pay an ‘American surtax on disability’.

This resource guide has been assembled to assist Americans with disabilities, particularly polio survivors with significant motor and breathing impairments, to find financial assistance for the costs of obtaining desired medical equipment and/or environmental adaptive modifications that are otherwise not affordable to them.”

This Guide is Available in it’s Entirety for Download: