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BIKES FOR EVERY BODY

How To Find Funding For Adaptive Bicycles

Below you will find a list of ideas for seeking medical funds to purchase adaptive bicycles as durable medical equipment (DME) and therapeutic equipment for riders with disabilities. Many families have found success through their Department of Developmental Disabilities or their county's Department of Health & Human Services or other similar organization and have used a variety of medical waivers. If you do not qualify for state or county funds, some other funding options include:

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  • Insurance - File a claim. You may need a quote from the bike vendor and a letter of medical necessity from your doctor. Private insurance may not cover bicycles but you may need to apply and be denied in order to be eligible for other programs.

  • Medical Waiver Programs

  • Grants and Charitable Organizations

  • Fundraising and Crowdsourcing

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Rifton provides another excellent resource for finding funding for adaptive bicycles:

https://www.rifton.com/resources/topics-and-tags/funding-equipment

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Partner Programs

Help Hope Live logo

USA ONLY (includes Puerto Rico)

Help Hope Live provides a medical fundraising platform for the expenses that insurance doesn't cover. They provide the platform, tools and support as well as a direct payment option to protect your other benefits.

Call Shelley at 786.489.2453 to request a quote then set up your fundraising page.

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CENTRAL FLORIDA

New Hope for Kids grants wishes to children who live in Central Florida, are not yet 19 years of age, and who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. New Hope for Kids has partnered with Bikes For Every Body to help families to receive adaptive bicycles.

Bikes For Every Body Vendor Registration

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Funding may be available through various associations to purchase adaptive bicycles as therapeutic equipment. Bikes For Every Body is not a Medicare provider and does not offer funding programs but we have worked with several organizations who have funded adaptive bicycles or who may be able to assist you in utilizing medical waivers and funds to purchase adaptive bikes as therapeutic equipment.

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If you do not see a program below that applies to you, check with your family support counselor, case worker, therapist or other medical professional to find out if funding is available through county or state funding and grants.

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If Bikes For Every Body LLC (dba Buddy Bike) is not currently registered as a vendor with your county or state agency, please share our information with them so we can apply to become a vendor!

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Bikes For Every Body LLC (dba Buddy Bike)
Shelley Patterson
shelley@bikesforeverybody.com
786.489.2453

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The list below is provided as a courtesy. Bikes For Every Body nor any of the organizations listed below can guarantee that you will qualify for funding. Contact the organization for their criteria and program requirements. Some programs are state-specific.

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Bikes For Every Body is registered as a vendor with the following agencies:

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ClassWallet

Bikes For Every Body is verified as a vendor with ClassWallet in these states:

  • Texas

  • If we're not in your state yet please ask your county or state agency to send us a request to register.

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Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

Adaptive bicycles may qualify as HCPCS Code E1399 DME Miscellaneous and tandem bicycles may qualify as HCPCS T2029 Assistive Technology - Tandem Bicycle.

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"In cases where a more specific HCPCS code is not available, a product may be billed using E1399, durable medical equipment, miscellaneous. In order for durable medical equipment to be covered or reimbursed in the home, many third-party payers require the equipment to be: (1) prescribed by a physician (2) durable (3) medically reasonable and necessary."

Medical Waiver Programs

Many times, an adaptive bicycle can be purchased through waiver programs. Each state is different in their coverage and the process for accessing waiver funds. Some states require a denial from the primary insurer first prior to covering with waiver funds, others require a physician’s prescription with a therapist’s letter of medical necessity and evaluation for the equipment.

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Many families have found success through their Department of Developmental Disabilities or their county's Department of Health & Human Services or other similar organization and have used a variety of medical waivers.

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  • Caseworker: You should begin by speaking with your caseworker or family support counselor for specifics in your state on coverage and to see if assistance is available through county or state funding and grants. Another good starting place would be to contact your Community Center Boards (CCB).

  • Medical Professional: Request a prescription or "Letter of Medical Necessity" of your doctor or therapist. Some states may have laws requiring funding to be provided if a doctor writes a note requiring the equipment for therapeutic purposes.

  • DME Provider: Adaptive bicycles may be classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). You may contact the organization in your state that provides DME. See DME Code above.

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Insurance Coverage

Private insurance usually does not cover bicycles, despite their therapeutic and preventative nature. But you may need to apply through your insurance to receive a denial in order for other programs to apply.

 

Here are some notes from the customer to help you navigate your own insurance claim.​

  • Customer covers cost then seeks reimbursement.

  • Insurance doesn't pay for anything prior to service or delivery.

  • In this case, approximately 80% was covered by the customer's plan. This reimbursement rate may vary from plan to plan.

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SUBMIT A CLAIM, step-by-step process:

  1. Letter of Medical Necessity filled out by Doctor and PT and OT, coded as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). See DME Code above.

  2. Get a price quote for the bike, but do not purchase yet. Contact shelley@bikesforeverybody.com or the dealer of the bike that you have chosen.

  3. Submit Letters of necessity and quote for Insurance company eligibility review.

  4. After approval is received then you can order and pay for the bike.

  5. After receiving the bike then submit bill along with approval letter for reimbursement.

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Grants & Charitable Organizations

There are a number of organizations that focus on helping individuals with disabilities who may provide grants or other funding assistance for adaptive bikes. Some bike distributors offer annual giveaways and events so be sure to join the email lists and follow the social media accounts of your favorite dealers and brands.
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The list below is provided as a courtesy. Bikes For Every Body nor any of the organizations listed below can guarantee that you will qualify for funding. Contact the organization for their criteria and program requirements. Some programs are state-specific.

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GRANTS FOR ADAPTIVE BIKES

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CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
These organizations may also offer funding assistance. Use the links to search for chapters in your area.

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Fundraising / Crowdfunding

Holding a benefit or fundraiser is a great way to get the community to help out. Set a goal of raising the funds necessary for the bike that you have selected including shipping, assembly and maybe even a helmet. Reach out to your community through emails, social media, flyers, the news and local television or radio, and fundraising events.

 

WARNING! It is imperative to contact a special needs attorney to ensure that funds will not be viewed as income, potentially making the individual ineligible for state health plans and waiver programs and benefits.

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FUNDRAISING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

  • Schools and universities: Many sororities, fraternities, Girl/Boy Scout groups or other school groups will take the community project of raising funds to purchase adaptive cycling equipment for riders in need.

  • Family: Hold a birthday party but tell your guests that instead of gifts, you would prefer donations toward the purchase of an adaptive bicycle.

  • Church or other community groups

 

FUNDRAISING ONLINE
One of the most efficient ways to fund raise for an adaptive bicycle is through online fundraising or crowdfunding. You can set up a fundraising page using one of the services below (fees may apply) then promote your page through e-mail, social media and word-of-mouth! See the WARNING above!

 

CREATE A WEB PAGE or SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE
Create your own social media pages and/or a web page to raise awareness of your cause and funds. 

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