Funds for assistive technology come from many sources. There are both Federal and local programs that provide support. There are also many private insurance groups that will help fund assistive technology.  In Hawai`i, assistive technology is usually paid for if it falls under one of the following categories:

• Prosthetic devices
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy, speech, hearing and language therapy
• Rehabilitation services
• Eyeglasses
• Preventive services
• Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation
• Community Supported Living Arrangements Program

It is sometimes difficult to determine what program will pay for equipment. Sometimes you need to get approval ahead of time. "Durable medical equipment" is usually covered if your doctor says you need it. These can include wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, and many other devices. It is best to ask your physician about rules and medical coverage. It is also important that you ask your physician for a detailed and complete recommendation.

Hawai'i Medicaid Program
The Hawai'i Medicaid Program is administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS). It pays for medical care for individuals and families with low income and resources. Services are on a fee-for-service basis. This means that Medicaid does not directly supply assistive technology or give cash grants to recipients. Instead, it directly reimburses providers for medical equipment, services and supplies. Individuals who are age 65 and over, or certified blind or disabled will usually qualify for Medicaid. For all other individuals, coverage is provided under Hawai'i QUEST.

Hawai`i QUEST

The State of Hawaii Med-QUEST Division (MQD) provides eligible low-income adults and children access to health and medical coverage through managed care plans.

Medical assistance is medical coverage provided for eligible low-income Hawaii residents. Hawaii has two medical assistance programs called Hawaii QUEST and Medicaid Fee-For-Service.

Hawaii QUEST, commonly known as QUEST is a program that provides health coverage through health plans for eligible Hawaii residents. It provides medical and mental health services. Dental services are provided under the Medicaid Fee-For-Service Program. QUEST is administered by the Department of Human Services, Med-QUEST Division and is financed through the State of Hawaii and the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

If you are pregnant and need medical coverage, you may apply for medical assistance at any time. Even if you applied before and were not eligible, you may be eligible now.

Special eligibility workers are assigned to quickly process applications from pregnant women. If you are eligible, they can help you enroll faster so that you can get prenatal care as soon as possible.

To receive special processing, be sure your application says that you are pregnant. For eligibility purposes, either a home pregnancy test or a health care provider, who could be a physician, a nurse midwife, a pediatric nurse practitioner, or a family nurse practitioner, must medically verify pregnancy. A pregnant woman, however, shall not be required to provide documentation that her pregnancy has been medically verified.

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Hawaii, a U.S. national, citizen, or qualified alien in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income. You must not be age 65 or older, blind, or disabled.

Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is an expansion of the QUEST and Medicaid fee-for-service programs. This is a program for, children ages 0 to 19 years of age, who live in Hawai`i. They must have working parents who meet certain family income levels.

QUEST-Net
QUEST-Net is for people who no longer qualify for QUEST or Medicaid due to income limits. Participants pay a monthly fee based on their annual income.

HAWAII SHIP
Hawai`i's Executive Office on Aging administers SHIP, previously called SAGE PLUS. It is a health insurance counseling program for people age 60 and older, their families and caregivers. SHIP provides statewide health insurance information, counseling and referrals. Trained volunteers provide one-on-one counseling by telephone or in person. Individuals learn about the benefits of SHIP and receive assistance in completing forms. If necessary, counselors contact other agencies for information on obtaining assistive technology devices or services.  The website is http://www.hawaiiship.org/

HAT Loan Program
The Hawai`i Assistive Technology (HAT) Loan Program is a joint effort of the Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawai`i (ATRC) and American Savings Bank. This program offers low-interest loans for the purchase of assistive technology devices and services. American Savings Bank, which administers the loan program, processes all applications.

Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals age 65 or older. The program reduces the out-of-pocket expenses for health services. Medicare may also cover someone under age 65 depending on their disability. There is no cost for Medicare if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while you worked. If you have not paid any Medicare taxes, the cost of services may be fully or partially paid for by a state agency.

Medicare covers medical devices provided by a hospital, skilled nursing facility, home health agency, hospice, comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility or rural health clinic. It also covers durable medical equipment prescribed by a doctor for home use. Eligibility for assistive technology devices depends on the individual's condition and the device needed.