Funding Assistive Technology

Assistive technology (AT) can play a critical role in supporting independence, communication, mobility, and overall quality of life. This page provides a general overview of how AT devices may be funded through private health insurance and public programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. It outlines what types of equipment are commonly covered, the typical order in which funding sources are accessed, and how to navigate coverage determinations, denials, and next steps. You will also find guidance specific to Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) and links to additional resources to help you better understand the funding process and available supports.

Understanding Assistive Technology Funding and Insurance Coverage

Some assistive technology (AT) equipment or devices may be funded as a covered benefit by private insurance and/or Medicaid/Medicare. Generally, equipment/devices that are considered durable medical equipment (DME) are a covered benefit. Some examples of DME include items like wheelchairs, walkers, and speech generating devices (SGDs). Your private health insurance provider can help determine coverage and out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Medicaid/Medicare are funding providers of last resort, so reaching out for coverage determination through your private health insurance provider would be the first step. If you receive a denial or coverage is not provided by your private health insurance provider and you are eligible for Medicaid and/or Medicare benefits, then your requested AT would be moved to Medicaid and/or Medicare to determine coverage eligibility of the AT through these programs. Your Medicaid/Medicare case manager can assist with this request.

 

Coverage for Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) is available through many private healthcare insurance providers and through Wyoming Medicaid and Medicare. To learn more about the funding process for SGDs visit SGD Funding Page.

SGD Funding Page

a man in a chair wearing sunglasses working on a computer

State and Agency Funding for AT in Wyoming

AT may also be provided by state agencies. This may depend on the purpose or need for the AT being requested and the environment that it will be used in. Examples include the following:

WY Department of Education provides AT for students with individualized educational programs (IEPs) when the AT is documented within the IEP as a need for the student to access the educational content and/or environment.

WY Early Intervention and Education Program (EIEP) assists young children in Child Learning Centers/Child Resource Centers by obtaining AT to meet their needs in the preschool setting.

GoBabyGoWyo is for young children needing mobility AT

WY Independent Living (WILR) serve residents in Casper, Cheyenne, Gilette, Laramie, and Sheridan. Wyoming Services for Independent Living (WSIL) serve residents of Powell, Cody, Lander, and Rock Springs with obtaining AT to meet daily living needs within their homes/communities.

The US Department of Veterans Affairs assists veterans with AT within the Rehabilitation and Prosthetics Services Division.

The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services-Division of Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities when AT is needed for the workplace and/or educational programs related to obtaining work.

  • WY Relay assists individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech differences with obtaining AT to meet their telecommunication needs.

UW Disability Support Services within the University of Wyoming or within Wyoming’s Colleges are resources for AT in post-secondary education.

Adult residents in WY who need AT for hearing loss should contact the WY Adult Hearing Aid Program to determine eligibility for this program. Families of Children in WY with hearing impairments should contact Wyoming Children’s Hearing Aid Program (WYCHAP).

WY iCanConnect assists WY residents who meet financial eligibility and have a documented diagnosis of being deaf and blind with communications technology equipment.

WY Technology Access Program Financial loan program with reduced interest rates and extended terms for purchase of AT, home/vehicle modifications.

 

Private and Community-Based Funding Sources

Other funding sources for AT include national organizations, community programs, civic organizations, disability specific programs, and organizational grants. Examples include the following:

WY Lions Club for visual needs.

UW National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) may be able to assist with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and AT for hearing.

Wyoming Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) WY Senior Centers often provide AT Loan Closets where residents may borrow/donate AT equipment.

Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation provides grant opportunities to support individuals with spinal cord injuries.

WY Governors Council on Developmental Disabilities Bright Ideas Grant.

Individuals diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) May consider reaching out to ALS of Rockies.

Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado and Wyoming is a resource for individuals diagnosed with Epilepsy.

Parkinson’s Association of Rockies Wyoming Satellite Community provides resources for individuals with Parkinson’s.

National Federation of the Blind provide AT equipment and resources for individuals with visual needs and include Free White Canes, Free Slates, and Access On podcasts related to accessibility features and vision.

The Jett Foundation works with individuals and families impacted by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and provides funding opportunities through the Jett Giving Fund.