Getting a mobility device in Oregon

OHP (Oregon's Medicaid program) covers power wheelchairs and scooters as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) when medically necessary — meaning this path can get you a device at no cost. It is your most likely route. Start here before anything else.

What OHP covers: power-operated vehicles (scooters) and power wheelchairs when documented as medically necessary. Oregon Administrative Rule 410-122-0325 requires your doctor to explain why a manual wheelchair cannot sufficiently address your mobility limitation. Document this clearly.

What you need your doctor to do:

• Schedule a face-to-face visit specifically to discuss your mobility needs
• Document in your chart why a manual wheelchair is insufficient — for example, that you need to travel longer distances or attend community events independently
• Write a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) stating that a power mobility device is medically necessary and why

Tip: be specific with your doctor about your real situation. "I can manage short distances but need mobility for larger outings outside my home" is exactly the kind of documentation that matters. The chart note should mirror the real reason you need the device.

Don't have a PCP? Call OHP Customer Service at 1-800-699-9075 — they can help you find an in-network provider and confirm your current CCO enrollment.

After your doctor writes the Letter of Medical Necessity, the process moves to your Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) and OHP's prior authorization system.

Steps:

1. Contact your CCO. Your CCO manages your OHP benefits — it might be CareOregon, Trillium, PacificSource, or another plan. Contact them to ask which DME suppliers are in-network and what prior authorization forms are required. Don't know your CCO? Call OHP Customer Service at 1-800-699-9075.

2. Start prior authorization. Most power mobility devices require prior authorization before OHP will cover them. Your doctor's office often handles this — ask them directly. The OHA Medicaid Clinical Support Unit can help if you get stuck:

   • Phone: 800-336-6016, option 3
   • Email: Provider.ClinicalSupport@oha.oregon.gov

3. Choose an OHP-enrolled DME supplier. The device must come from an OHP-participating supplier.

   • Salem: Bellevue Healthcare — 2661 Cascadia Industrial St SE, Suite 170, Salem, OR 97302 · 503-436-5859
   • For other areas: ask your CCO for in-network suppliers near you

Timeline: prior authorization typically takes 2–6 weeks after your doctor submits the paperwork. Follow up with your CCO and your doctor's office if you don't hear back within two weeks.

OHP denials are common and frequently overturned. You have real options. As of October 2025, OHA actively reduced barriers to motorized wheelchair access after hearing from members who struggled to get equipment.

OHA Ombuds Program — your first call after a denial

• Phone: 1-877-642-0450
• Email: OHA.OmbudsOffice@odhsoha.oregon.gov
• This office has a track record of helping members get motorized wheelchairs that were initially denied. They advocate within the OHP system on your behalf — free, no attorney needed.

Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) — free legal advocacy if your CCO denies medically necessary DME

• Phone: 503-243-2081 or 1-800-452-1694
• Website: droregon.org
• DRO provides free representation and can help you appeal formally if the Ombuds route doesn't resolve it.

What to have ready when you call:

• Your denial letter (date, reason given)
• Your doctor's Letter of Medical Necessity
• A summary of why a manual wheelchair doesn't work for your situation

Oregon law protects your right to medically necessary DME. A denial is not the end of the process.

While OHP processes your request (or if you need a device sooner), several Oregon organizations offer free or low-cost equipment. Note: power wheelchairs and scooters are less common in loan closets than manual chairs — call ahead to check availability.

Access Technologies Inc. (ATI) — Salem (Oregon's Statewide AT Program) ATI is the most important first stop in Salem. They are Oregon's designated statewide Assistive Technology Program and can help you identify what's available, what OHP will cover, and which funding sources are realistic.

• What they offer: Device loan library (2,000+ items), AT Marketplace (new and used DME at reduced prices), free AT funding guidance, assessments and training
• Note: scooters are excluded from the free 30-day loan but are available as paid rentals. The Marketplace sells them at reduced prices.
• Address: 2225 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR 97305
• Phone: (503) 361-1201 · Email: info@accesstechnologiesinc.org

Oregon Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) (statewide) Free navigation service that connects people with disabilities to local resources, DME programs, and funding. A navigator can identify local scooter and power chair availability across Oregon.

• Phone: 1-855-673-2372 (1-855-ORE-ADRC)
• Website: ADRCofOregon.org
• This is a good call even before you contact ATI — they can map everything available in your area.

Portland has several more options for free or low-cost DME. Call before going — powered devices are less common than manual chairs and availability changes.

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Portland (MSSP) Equipment Closet Free manual and motorized wheelchairs, scooters, and canes — but only for people with MS who live in Oregon or SW Washington. If you have a different disability, this resource is not available to you.

• Phone: 503-297-9544

Avraham's Closet (Jewish Federation of Greater Portland) Free DME loans — wheelchairs, walkers, commodes, shower equipment. Call to check for powered devices. Open to anyone who needs it.

• Phone: 503-246-8831

Independent Living Resources (ILR) Portland's Center for Independent Living — helps navigate equipment access, connects with DME suppliers, and can advocate with OHP if your CCO is giving you trouble. Serves Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties.

• Address: 1839 NE Couch St, Portland, OR 97232
• Phone: 503-232-7411 · Website: ilr.org

NW Access Fund Loan Closets (statewide directory) Northwest Access Fund maintains a directory of loan closets across Oregon with free and low-cost medical equipment.

• Website: nwaccessfund.org/loan-closets

⚠️ Community Vision (CVI) is listed in some resource guides and has a free AT loan closet at 2475 SE Ladd Ave (503-292-4964). It does not provide wheelchairs, scooters, or any medical DME — only assistive technology like communication devices, vision and hearing aids, etc. Don't make a trip there for a mobility device.

The Blanche Fischer Foundation (BFF) is one of the most relevant funding sources in Oregon for this situation. They provide direct grants to low-income Oregonians with permanent physical disabilities for assistive devices, DME, and mobility supports. Past recipients have received grants specifically for foldable mobility scooters.

Apply in parallel with OHP — the grant can cover devices OHP won't pay for, or cover co-pays while you wait for a prior auth decision.

Eligibility:

• Oregon resident
• Permanent physical disability (medical letter must use this exact phrase)
• Demonstrated financial need
• "Engagement" — participation in therapy, programs, or support groups

What you'll need to apply:

• Oregon State ID or Driver's License
• Medical verification letter from a qualified health professional (must include the phrase "permanent physical disability" and confirm medical necessity)
• Advocacy statement from a professional
• Vendor estimates for the item(s) you need
• Completed income and expenses worksheet

How to apply:

• Email: grants@bff.org
• Mail: Blanche Fischer Foundation, P.O. Box 22411, Eugene, OR 97402
• Phone: 503-858-9320
• Website: bff.org — application and guidelines are at bff.org/grant-opportunities.html

If OHP denies, Blanche Fischer doesn't cover the full cost, or you need a device quickly while the other processes run, the Northwest Access Fund (NWAF) provides low-interest loans specifically for assistive technology.

Loan details:

• Up to $25,000, 5-year term
• 5% APR, no fees, no down payment required for AT loans
• No income ceiling — the majority of clients are low-income
• Scooters and wheelchairs (including co-pays) are explicitly eligible

For smaller needs: loans under $1,500 are typically processed within a few days — enough to cover a basic portable scooter.

Eligibility: must have a disability; must show the item qualifies as assistive technology; must show ability to repay.

Contact:

• Phone: 1-877-428-5116
• Email: loans@nwaccessfund.org
• Website: nwaccessfund.org/loans/at-loans

This is a loan, not a grant — you'll repay it over time. But at 5% with no fees, it's far better than any credit card or personal loan, and it exists specifically for this situation.

You don't have to figure this out alone. Several free, disability-led organizations exist specifically to help you navigate this.

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) — federally funded, free services including equipment navigation, OHP appeals support, and peer counseling. They don't stock equipment but are invaluable guides.

• Lane Independent Living Alliance (LILA) — serves Marion County (Salem area) in addition to Lane County
  • Phone: 541-607-7020 · Email: lila@lilaoregon.org · lilaoregon.org
• Independent Living Resources (ILR) — serves Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties (Portland)
  • Phone: 503-232-7411 · ilr.org

Other programs worth knowing about:

| Program | Who it helps | Contact | |---|---|---| | Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS) | Adults with disabilities pursuing employment or education | Can fund mobility devices needed for work or school | | Easterseals Oregon | People with disabilities | 503-228-5108 | | American Outreach Foundation | Veterans and low-income families | Offers free mobility scooters; 3–6 month process | | UCP Elsie S. Bellows Fund | People with disabilities in financial need | Grants for purchasing or repairing AT equipment |

Quick navigation shortcut: call the ADRC at 1-855-673-2372 — their navigators know what's available in your county, including programs not listed here, and can help you sequence all of these options.