OKLAHOMA DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT REUSE PROGRAM
(OKDMERP)
The Oklahoma Durable Medical Equipment Reuse Program, known as OKDMERP, and in partnership with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, known as OHCA, is to provide high quality Durable Medical Equipment (DME) to all Oklahoma residents who need it. OHCA realized some DME purchased for their beneficiaries was no longer needed. It was also recognized that some Oklahomans with disabilities and other health conditions have no source for quality DME. The result was this collaboration.
What is Durable Medical Equipment (DME)?
DME includes communication devices, bath benches, CPAPs, commodes, gait trainers, hospital beds, nebulizers, patient lifts, quad canes, power scooters, shower chairs, standers, walkers, wheelchairs, and more. DME helps people live independently, keep a job, go to school, and stay involved in the community.
Reasons to Reuse DME?
One in five Oklahomans report having some level of disability, especially as we age and it’s a good use of public funds. DME reuse equals SoonerCare savings!
What does OKDMERP Commit to Do?
- Distribute quality used equipment to eligible Oklahoma recipients at no cost
- Provide increased access to DME
- Serve people with disabilities and chronic health conditions of all income levels by promoting mobility and independence
- Establish a cost-effective program saving everyone money
- Provide information, device demonstration, individual matching to the eligible recipient, and training on the equipment
Oklahomans eligible for SoonerCare and SoonerCare beneficiaries have priority, but all Oklahoma residents with disabilities and health conditions are eligible.
How does OKDMERP work?
SoonerCare purchased DME that is valuable enough to be reused is placed in the OKDMERP database. Once a device is no longer needed, it is brought back into the program. DME purchased through private health insurance and personal funds may be donated for reuse. The equipment is sanitized and refurbished to a reusable condition for the next eligible recipient. Customers call 405-523-4810 to request an application for equipment they need, or they can call to donate equipment. Donated equipment is cleaned, sanitized, and refurbished for reuse. It is then matched to a customer’s needs and delivered free of charge.
How can you help?
Tell others about how a donation of good, used durable medical equipment can enable someone to become more independent and mobile while having increased access to their community. Then – DONATE! OKDMERP relies on word of mouth promotion to reach customers, increase inventory and develop its networks. More ways to help are to invite OKDMERP to present at your local organization, workshop, or conference.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What types of DME will be in our inventory?
Will the equipment come with all the necessary accessories?
What if you don’t have the piece of DME I need?
What happens when a DME match is made?
What if I don’t like the DME or it isn’t meeting my needs?
Are there donation requirements?
What if the equipment I want to donate is not “gently” used and OKDMERP can’t accept it?
What types of DME will be in our inventory?
- Communication Devices
- Bath Benches
- CPAPs Commodes
- Gait Trainers
- Hospital Beds (semi electric and electric)
- Nebulizers Patient Lifts
- Quad Canes
- Scooter – Power Operated Vehicle (POV)
- Shower Chairs
- Standers
- Walkers
- Wheelchairs (manual and power)
Will the equipment come with all the necessary accessories?
All equipment donated to the OKDMERP will be cleaned, sanitized, refurbished, and in some cases, repaired so it is in the best condition possible. However, because this is a free program with donated equipment, and because of the necessary safety issues to consider when cleaning and sanitizing for reuse, or that some items require specialized fitting accessories, not all equipment will come with everything. The OKDMERP staff will let you know exactly what additional items you will need to purchase on your own to complete the product. If you don’t know where to purchase any additional accessories, OKDMERP has a partnering network list they can recommend to help get you started.
What if you don’t have the piece of DME I need?
The good news is our inventory is constantly changing! If we don’t have an item you need, we can put your name on our wait list and notify you when the perfect match is available. If you don’t have time to wait, our staff will be happy to assist you in other possibilities to help you obtain the DME you need!
How long will I wait?
Depending on the inventory and your need, you might be matched immediately or it might be a wait. This program relies on 100% donated items so there is no way to know what we will have or when one might become available. Again, we encourage you to call us at 405-523-4810. If your need is immediate and we can’t help you, we can try to point you in the right direction.
If I can’t wait and OKDMERP staff helps me with other routes to obtain DME, will that equipment be free of charge?
We will do our best to offer you no cost or low cost solutions, however not all our resource options will be free to you.
How do I apply?
Our application can be picked up, mailed, emailed, or found on our website, http://okabletech.okstate.edu. In some cases you might find it on another organization’s website for your convenience. Once the application is received it will include instructions on how to fill it out and what kind of additional documentation is needed (like a doctor’s prescription, a professional evaluation or sleep study, or precise measurements). Once the application is entered into the database you will be contacted as quickly as the right match is available for you. Again, if you are not able to wait, feel free to submit your application anyway. When a match is found you will be contacted; but in the meantime, OKDMERP can be a resource to help you find a piece of DME through other options.
What happens when a DME match is made?
You will be notified and OKDMERP staff will call to make an appointment to deliver the equipment to you. This will take some time so it is imperative that you or your representative be available for device demonstration and training on the DME.
What if I don’t like the DME or it isn’t meeting my needs?
Simply call OKDMERP at 405-523-4810 and we will make an appointment to pick up the item where it will be cleaned, sanitized, and refurbished for the next eligible person. If this happens, hopefully there will be another item available for which to match you. However, it is possible because of the nature of our inventory (based on 100% donations) there will be no match at the time. If this happens, again, we can put your name on a wait list or try to offer other possibilities for you.
Do you pick up or deliver?
Pick-up and delivery services are limited to central Oklahoma residents. Any Oklahoma resident can drop-off or pick-up equipment at the OKDMERP office, located at 3325 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.
How do I donate?
Donations take place for many reasons. A temporary medical condition where the item is no longer needed, the persons’ needs have changed, the equipment has been outgrown, or there might be a loss of a loved one. In any or all of these cases, simply call OKDMERP 405-523-4810 and we will make an appointment for staff to come to retrieve the item. If you are outside of central Oklahoma, you will need to make arrangements to deliver the equipment or we can try to give your some donation options outside of the area.
Are there donation requirements?
We ask that the equipment be in good working order and “gently” used. If you have a question about the item you want to donate, please call and talk with a staff member. We can let you know what your options are.
What if the equipment I want to donate is not “gently” used and OKDMERP can’t accept it?
Don’t worry! By calling 405-523-4810 and talking with OKDMERP staff we can offer you some alternatives for donation.
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