Financial Assistance for Prosthetic Services
Ability Found
S Constitution Blvd
West Valley City, UT
877/231-
abilityfound.orgThis organization does not provide assistance for prosthetics or orthotics, but they do assist with obtaining other types of medical equipment at little to no cost to the patient. This includes shower chairs, hospital beds, manual and power wheelchairs, gait trainers, grab bars, tub benches, and many other items. You must have a medical professional apply on your behalf. This could include a social worker, case manager, nurse, occupational or physical therapist, medical vendor or a physician who is familiar with the type of medical equipment that is needed as well as your specific diagnosis and needs. Please note that items that need to be shipped or adapted to your needs may require a small contribution on behalf of the individual for shipping costs.
More information on applying for assistance can be found at: abilityfound.org/service-providers.
Amputee Blade Runners
356 24th Avenue North, Suite 300
Nashville, TN
615/752-
amputeebladerunners.comAmputee Blade Runners is a nonprofit organization that helps provide free running prosthetics for amputees. Running prosthetics are not covered by insurance and are considered “not medically necessary,” so this organization helps amputees keep an active lifestyle. Their goal is to provide a running prosthesis to one athlete in all 50 states by . They currently have athletes in 24 states who serve as ambassadors to other amputee athletes.
To apply, you must fill out an application at amputeebladerunners.com/want-a-running-leg and send it to the address to the left or it to .
Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)
Waples St.
San Diego, CA
858/866-
challengedathletes.org
be eligible for a grant through the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s flagship program, Access for Athletes, an athlete’s physical disability must be recognized within the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) classifications. For more information, please visit the IPC Web site at paralympic.org.
To apply for grant funding for coaching fees, competition expenses, or equipment, visit challengedathletes.org/programs/grants/
CAF DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE BASED ON AGE, GENDER, LEVEL OF ABILITY OR SPORT, BUT DOES REQUIRE APPLICANTS TO DEMONSTRATE A CLEAR FINANCIAL NEED FOR THEIR GRANT REQUEST.
Chive Charities
chivecharities.org/recipientChive Charities helps underserved people throughout the country with medical needs. They focus on rare medical diseases, but also serve first responders and veterans with medical needs. To apply, go to chivecharities.org/recipient and click on “I am a new applicant.”
Fighting Back Scholarship Program
610/688-
fightingbacksp.orgThe Fighting Back Scholarship Program is available to individuals who have suffered a life-changing illness or injury and are without finances needed to participate in a rehabilitative exercise program. Financial scholarships are awarded to be used for individualized exercise rehabilitation. To find the application link, go to the main Web site and click the “About” tab at the top of the homepage. Recipients of this scholarship will receive one-on-one rehabilitative training at the Fighting Back facility in Malvern, Pennsylvania. For questions, .
Global Reach Bionics
Fayetteville, AR
www.globalreachbionics.org
Reach Bionics utilizes modern technology to fabricate modern solutions for amputees in disadvantaged situations where a capable prosthesis seems unattainable. As a non-profit organization, Global Reach Bionics seeks to provide prosthetics to those in need completely free of cost.
Helping people live better, moving forward, we serve disadvantaged amputees by developing free and low-cost prosthetic devices.
Heather Abbot Foundation
181 Belleview Ave #407
Newport, RI
heatherabbottfoundation.orgThe Heather Abbot Foundation is committed to helping individuals who have lost limbs due to traumatic circumstances get specialized prosthetic devices.
To apply for a grant through the Heather Abbot Foundation, fill out the form at heatherabbottfoundation.org/get-involved/apply-for-a-grant.
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA
800/642-
https://helphopelive.org/Even for clients who have insurance, a health crisis often becomes a financial crisis. For 35 years, Help Hope Live has been showing clients and families how to bring together a network of relatives, friends and neighbors in fundraising efforts to help cover the costs of uncovered medical expenses. These efforts play a critical role in helping our clients recover and maintain their health and independence.
Since , Help Hope Live has helped thousands of people raise millions of dollars to help pay a wide range of expenses, including out-of-pocket costs for: medications, durable medical equipment, home health care, wheelchair-accessibility modifications, physical therapy, innovative treatments, medical travel and temporary relocation, even emergency living assistance.
Life Nets
The Wheelchair Project
lifenets.org/wheelchairThe Wheelchair Project takes donated wheelchairs and gives them to individuals in need. To request a wheelchair, go to lifenets.org/wheelchair and click “Make a Request for a Wheelchair.” Follow the instructions to complete a form with personal information, including the type and size of wheelchair that you need. If you have difficulty with this process, .
Limbs for Life Foundation
N May Ave
Oklahoma City, OK
888/235-
limbsforlife.org
for Life provides assistance for lower-limb amputees. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S. They must have no other means to pay for prosthetic care including Medicare, insurance coverage or state assistance. They must work with a prosthetist or clinic that agrees to accept LFL payment as full payment for their services.
To apply for assistance, visit limbsforlife.org/get-help.
Limb Preservation Foundation
E 19th Ave, Suite 106
Denver, CO
303/429-
limbpreservation.orgThe Limb Preservation Foundation is committed to the prevention and treatment of limb threatening conditions due to cancer, trauma or infection. The Foundation raises funds to support research, education, college scholarship and patient assistance programs.
Currently, the Limb Preservation Foundation is only able to serve individuals residing in the Rocky Mountain Region (limited to the states of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming).
Mending Limbs Organization
214 Watson View Dr.
Franklin, TN
615/390-
mendinglimbs.org/Mending Limbs is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance with funding for prosthetic costs that are not adequately covered by insurance. To apply, complete and submit the form online at mendinglimbs.org/funding-application.
Move For Jenn
P.O. Box
Charlotte, NC
704/710-
moveforjenn.orgThe Move For Jenn Foundation offers grants to sarcoma researchers and those who have suffered the loss of a limb to sarcoma or other affiliated diseases. The foundation’s goal is to help sarcoma amputees afford or obtain an active-wear prosthetic, allowing them to regain strength and mobility faster and getting them back to the physical activities they enjoyed prior to amputation.
Prosthesis Grant Application.
National Amputation Foundation
40 Church Street
Malverne, NY
516/887-
National Amputation Foundation’s donated medical equipment is available to any person in need through their Medical Equipment Give-A-Way Program. This includes wheelchairs, walkers, commodes, canes and crutches. While this program is open to anyone in need, the item(s) need to be picked up at the Foundation’s office.
To learn about how you can benefit from the National Amputation Foundation’s Medical Equipment Give-A-Way Program, visit nationalamputation.org.
National Military Family Association
militaryfamily.org/info-resources/efmp-special-needs.htmlThe Exceptional Family Member Program offers support to military families to help ensure that these families are not sent to areas where adequate services for medical, educational, or psychosocial needs cannot be met. The EFMP also provides information and support programs to families to help connect them to local services. This Web site explains the enrollment process for each branch.
Steps of Faith Foundation
31 W. 31st St.
Kansas City, MO
615-426-
stepsoffaithfoundation.orgSteps of Faith helps uninsured and under-insured amputees in the United States get the prosthetic limbs they desperately need to restore their livelihood. We find prosthetists to donate their time to help our patients and we raise money to cover the cost of prosthetic limbs. Contact for questions.
Steve Chamberlin’s 50 Legs
50legs.org50 Legs provides amputees with the necessary care and prosthetics that they could not otherwise afford. To apply, go to the Web site; click the tab at the top labeled “More” then click on “Application for Assistance,” or find the application at this link: https://50legs.org/application-for-assistance/.
The Wheelchair Recycler
508/460-
wheelchairrecycler.orgThis nonprofit group refurbishes donated power wheelchairs and reissues them direct to consumers at little to no cost to the new user. Most equipment is 90% below market value. To request current availability and cost of wheelchairs, submit your information on the form located at wheelchairrecycler.org/buy-a-wheelchair/.
Local Service ClubsLions, Rotary, Elks, Shriners, or any other fraternity or special interest groups in your community could provide dollars or assistance in fundraising. You can contact the respective local organization for further information.
For assistance in finding a local service club, contact the Amputee Coalition Resource Center at 888-267-.
Cancer Survivor’s Fund
cancersurvivorsfund.orgThis fund reduces financial hardship on families by providing assistance toward the cost of prostheses for children and young adults. To be eligible, applicants must be a cancer survivor or currently diagnosed with cancer and the need for the prosthetic limb must be cancer-related. A letter from the treating physician documenting the need for the prosthesis due to treatment is required. Find more information and the application at:
cancersurvivorsfund.org/Applications/MedicalAssistanceEligibility.htm (click on the red underlined text under bullet 3 to be directed to the online application).
First Hand Foundation
Rockcreek Pkwy
Kansas City, MO
firsthandfoundation.orgFirst Hand Foundation is a public nonprofit that provides funding for individual children domestically and globally who need assistance with clinical necessities, medical equipment and travel expenses related to care. To request funding, go to their Web site, click on “Request Funding.” For more details on qualifications, click on “Programs,” then “Case Grants.” You can also a caseworker at or call 816/201-.
Jordan Thomas Foundation
P.O. Box
Chattanooga, TN
423/622-
jordanthomasfoundation.orgA nonprofit foundation that provides children affected by limb loss with the prostheses they need throughout childhood and adolescence. This foundation provides limbs to children up to the age of 18. Additionally, there is the option of a one-time assistance program for young-adults ages 18-24. Use the same application linked below.
To refer a child to the Jordan Thomas Foundation, fill out the requested information at: jordanthomasfoundation.org/get-involved/refer-a-child.
(Recipients must present documentation of financial need.)
Lost Limbs Foundation
lostlimbsfoundation.orgThe mission of the Lost Limbs Foundation is to provide financial assistance to children with amputations who are in need of medical and prosthetic assistance.
Variety The Children’s Charity
323/954-
usvariety.org/care
aids children with physical challenges whose families cannot afford, nor obtain through insurance, necessary mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, specially-designed adaptive bikes, and other mobility devices.
Variety’s Care Program delivers medical equipment and services to individual children. Grants under the Care Program are made to individual children and families and cover a variety of medical needs, including prosthetics and orthotics. For more information on the Care Program click “Apply for Help” to find and contact your local Variety chapter or go to usvariety.org/grants.
Wheel to Walk Foundation
wheeltowalk.comThe Wheel to Walk Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps children age 20 and younger obtain medical equipment or services not provided by insurance. These items include therapy cycles, wheelchairs and shower chairs. This organization is currently only accepting applications from Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California, but may expand their services in the future.
Programs for Children with Special Healthcare Needs (CSHCN)Each state has a Title V CSHCN program administered through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Unfortunately, there is not a comprehensive online directory of these services, so you will need to contact your state’s DHHS office in order to find out about specific programs available to you.
State Children’s Insurance Program (CHIP)
chipmedicaid.orgIf your children need health coverage, they may be eligible for CHIP. If they qualify, you won't have to buy a Marketplace plan to cover them.
CHIP provides low-cost health coverage for children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid. In some states, CHIP covers parents and pregnant women. Each state offers CHIP coverage, and works closely with its state Medicaid program.
To enroll in CHIP, visit chipmedicaid.org.
To learn more, visit insurekidsnow.gov
Administration for Children and Families (ACF)The ACF is a division of the Department of Health & Human Services. They promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals and communities.
The grants available through ACF vary over time, and there may or may not currently be a grant available for prosthetic devices or DME. To see grant opportunities and eligibility requirements, visit acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/foa. Check back often to see if opportunities become available.
To learn how to apply for a grant through this organization, visit acf.hhs.gov/grants/howto.
For FAQs concerning the application process, visit acf.hhs.gov/grants/howto#chapter-10.
Shriners Hospital
800/237-
shrinershospitalsforchildren.orgShriners’ Hospital provides free orthopedic care to children under the age of 18 if there is a reasonable possibility that the child’s condition can be helped.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
901/595-
stjude.orgChildren may receive prosthetic care at St. Jude in conjunction with treatment of a catastrophic illness such as Osteosarcoma. Acceptance for treatment is based solely on a patient’s eligibility for an ongoing clinical trial at the hospital. To determine if your child is eligible, your physician must:
Call the referral line at 888/226-
Fax relevant information to 901/595-
Have your physician complete a referral online.
For more information on referring a patient to St. Jude, go to stjude.org/patient-referrals.html.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)Some BCBS companies have established “Caring for Children Foundations” that provide free or low-cost coverage to children who are not insurable through Medicaid or private insurance. Some of these foundations work with the CHIP programs in their states. Others work independently and accept no government funding. Services and eligibility requirements vary. Call your local BCBS office or visit bcbs.com for more information.
How to Afford a Prosthetic Limb: Grants, Funding (US, UK & EU)
Reading Time: 10 minutes
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Summary:
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High-quality prosthetics can cost tens of thousands
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Insurance rarely covers advanced or sport prostheses
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U.S., UK, EU offer grants via nonprofits, charities
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Crowdfunding, appeals, and local programs fill gaps
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Studies have shown that regular prosthetic limb use improves the quality of life of people with limb loss and limb difference, physically, emotionally, and mentally. However, getting a high-quality prosthetic limb, which can cost anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars or pounds, is financially challenging for many.
Although some public health systems and insurance plans cover the basics, many individuals with limb loss still face major funding gaps, especially for advanced or sport-specific prostheses. The good news is that there are reputable, well-established organizations in the U.S., UK, and Europe that can help cover or reduce the cost. This guide can help you get started.
Where to Get Prosthetic Limb Funding in the U.S.
Start with your health plan
Check both DMEPOS/Prosthetic Devices & Orthotics and DME sections. Coverage typically requires a doctor’s order and medical-necessity documentation (often called a Letter of Medical Necessity or LMN) and may need prior authorization.
If denied, appeal. You have internal and external review rights, and many denials are overturned on appeal. If your coverage is still inadequate, look to reputable nonprofits (listed below) and the Amputee Coalition’s funding resources for assistance.
U.S. Non-Profits and Organizations
Organization
Who Qualifies for Help
How They Help
Limbs for Life Foundation
limbsforlife.org
U.S. citizens/legal residents with no other way to pay; low-income
Pays partner clinics directly for lower-limb prosthetic care—often covering full costs
Steps of Faith Foundation
stepsoffaithfoundation.org
Uninsured/underinsured amputees in the U.S.
Finds donating prosthetists and covers prosthetic limb costs
Heather Abbott Foundation
heatherabbottfoundation.org
Traumatic limb loss survivors who need specialized/custom prostheses not typically covered by insurance
Offers grants for custom and activity-specific prostheses
50 Legs
50legs.org
Children and adults in the U.S.
Provides high-quality prosthetics through partner facilities; recipients do not receive bills
Jordan Thomas Foundation
jordanthomasfoundation.org
Children with limb loss
Provides pediatric prostheses through children’s growing years (up to ~age 18)
Amputee Blade Runners
amputeebladerunners.com
U.S. residents seeking a running/sports leg
Provides free running prosthetics (sports blades) and fittings
Move for Jenn Foundation
moveforjenn.org
Amputees (often sarcoma-related) needing active prosthetics typically not covered by insurance
Want more information on Artificial Limbs Manufacturer? Feel free to contact us.
Grants for active-wear/sport prostheses
Challenged Athletes Foundation
challengedathletes.org
Individuals worldwide with permanent physical disabilities
Annual grants for sports equipment/expenses (including athletic prostheses); year-round Operation Rebound for veterans/first responders
Shriners Children’s – POPS
shrinerschildrens.org
Children/teens needing pediatric orthotics and prosthetics; care regardless of ability to pay
Provides pediatric O&P evaluation, fabrication, and follow-up through POPS clinics
VA Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS)
rehab.va.gov
Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare with a medical need for a prosthetic device
Provides clinical prosthetic services/devices (including artificial limbs) and related benefits (HISA, AAE, etc.)
Help Hope Live (nonprofit fundraising)
helphopelive.org
U.S. patients with catastrophic injury/illness
Runs tax-deductible, needs-based medical fundraising and pays vendors (clinics) directly with raised funds
AMPUTEE AID
amputee-aid.com
Dedicated to restoring hope, independence, and dignity for amputees who lack access to essential resources.
Prosthetic Limb Assistance: Providing new or refurbished prosthetic limbs to individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, or facing financial hardship.
State and Local Resources
Help is also available at the state and local level. Here’s where you can find them:
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Vocational Rehabilitation Services: If your prosthesis will aid in your job, check if your state covers the cost.
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Medicaid: Some states offer more comprehensive prosthetic coverage than private insurance plans.
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Assistive Technology Programs: These programs include equipment loan closets that lend items to people with disabilities, as well as refurbished prosthetic limbs.
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Local hospitals often collaborate with nonprofits like Steps of Faith Foundation or Limbs for Life to provide charity care.
Getting Help from Crowdfunding and the Community
There are a lot of people willing to lend a hand. That's where crowdfunding comes in. Help Hope Live focuses on raising funds for medical prosthetics. At the same time, platforms like GoFundMe and Mightycause can tap into a wider audience and work well when paired with outreach to local news and social media.
Before you apply for funding:
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Plan out your routes: Begin with your health plan, and if denied, appeal. At the same time, explore public channels like State Vocational Rehabilitation for job-critical needs, VA PSAS if you’re a veteran, Medicaid/EPSDT for children, and workers’ comp if the injury happened at work.
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Check if your prosthetist works with or accepts charity payments, and consider using a partner clinic if needed.
Where to Find Funding for Prosthetic Limbs in the UK
In the UK, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the National Health Service (NHS) typically covers necessary prosthetic limbs based on individual medical need and evidence of benefits. However, coverage varies depending on the specific component. For example, high-tech options like myoelectric hands and microprocessor-controlled knees are often approved if there's solid clinical evidence to support them.
That being said, if you acquire a prosthetic limb through the NHS, you generally cannot “top-up” that prosthesis by adding parts or enhancements privately. For example, you can’t pay to upgrade an NHS-supplied prosthetic with non-NHS components.
UK National and Charitable Support
Before you apply for funding:
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Plan strategically: Start with an NHS limb-center reassessment, then consider Access to Work (if your job requires it), followed by targeted charities like Open Bionics Foundation, Positive Bones, or Blesma. If there's still a gap, explore charity-hosted crowdfunding options.
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Avoid using private funds to supplement an NHS-provided limb. Instead, look into getting a separate device, like one for sports or water activities, if it's outside the NHS's scope.
Where to Find Funding for Prosthetic Limbs in Europe
Before you apply for funding:
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Organize your funding sources: Start with your national health insurance or assistive-device list, then move to municipal or regional disability funds (such as social services). If applicable, include accident or work-injury insurance; consider return-to-work or employer programs; approach country charities. If dealing with displaced persons due to a crisis, explore international projects (like Ottobock Global Foundation).
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If public health systems prohibit top-ups, apply separately for additional devices (e.g., for sports or water use).
The bottom line
Figuring out the financial side of getting a prosthetic limb can be overwhelming, but there are plenty of resources available. By working with your health insurance, appealing denied claims, and looking into nonprofit groups that provide support, you can find the funding you need to get high-quality prosthetics.
We hope this guide helps you get started exploring your options. And we wish you a smooth journey toward better mobility and a higher quality of life with the right prosthetic.
Related Reading:
How Daily Prosthetic Usage Influences Quality of Life in Lower-Limb Amputees
Health Insurers Cut Back on Prosthesis Coverage Over Medical Doubts
For more Prosthetic Leg Knee Joint Supplierinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.