Qualifying medical devices include, but are not limited to:
Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices/Software
Automatic door openers
Ceiling Lifts
Chair lifts
CPAP/BIPAP machines
Defibrillators
Dialysis machines
Elevators/Stair Lifts (cannot manage stairs)
Equipment monitors (including infant apnea monitors)
Hospital beds/Air mattresses
IV, infusion and nutrition pumps
Nebulizer machines
Oxygen concentrator machines
Power wheelchairs/scooters
Medical refrigeration, such as insulin
Suctioning devices
Ventilators
Ventricular assist devices (implanted heart pumps)
Wound care management
Examples of medical devices that do not qualify include:
Heating pads
Humidifiers
Pool or Tank Heaters
Saunas or Hot Tubs
Vaporizers
Whirlpool Pumps
Please note: This is not an exhaustive list. Qualifying medical devices include any medical device that is used to sustain life and includes equipment used for mobility, per a licensed medical practitioner. Devices are for home-use only. Devices used for therapy generally do not qualify.
Still not sure if your device qualifies?
Everyone's situation is unique. Here are stories of people who are considering filling out an application for backup power supply:
A Necessary Mobility Device
Claire, 75, lives alone and cannot walk independently due to her arthritis. Her daughter recently gifted her a used power chair that allows her to move around her home and neighborhood comfortably. She is not sure if her chair qualifies as a life-supporting device.
Does Claire's power chair qualify as a life-supporting device? Yes.
Why? In case of an emergency, such as a power outage, Claire's chair is necessary for her to move around and evacuate safely. Without it, she could be at risk of injury or harm. Applying will not guarantee that Claire receives a backup power system, but based on her situation, her chair qualifies as a life-sustaining device.
Medically Necessary Software
Vanessa, 53, has diabetes. She keeps her insulin in a medical refrigerator and monitors her insulin levels with a prescribed app on her phone. She isn't sure if she should include her phone on the application.
Does Vanessa's phone qualify as a life-supporting device? Yes.
Why? She needs to monitor her insulin levels for medical reasons and transmit those results to her physician. Applying will not guarantee that Vanessa receives a backup power system, but based on her situation, she should list the phone and the refrigerator as life-sustaining devices.
Essential Monitoring Equipment
Darin and Gloria have a doctor-prescribed apnea monitor for their infant son, who was just discharged from the NICU unit at the hospital. Medicaid purchased the device to monitor his breathing and movement. They are unsure if the monitor qualifies because they didn't purchase it.
Does the monitor qualify as a life-supporting device? Yes.
Why? Regardless of who purchased the device, this baby requires continuous monitoring for his safety and well-being. Applying will not guarantee the family receives a backup power system, but based on their situation, this monitor qualifies as a life-sustaining device.
A Phone Without Medical Necessity
Steve, 52, has an unreliable vehicle that constantly breaks down. Last winter, he was stuck on a snowy road for hours. He wants to apply for an emergency battery to keep his phone charged so he can call for help in the event of an emergency.
Does his phone qualify as a life-supporting device? No.
Why? The scope of this program is limited to life-sustaining devices. Unfortunately, phones generally do not qualify unless they are integral to a life-sustaining system.
A Temporary Assistive Device
Jessica, 26, broke her hip and needs mobility aids, such as a wheelchair, for the next several months. Her boyfriend bought her an automatic door opener for the house. She thinks she might not qualify for backup power because her mobility needs are not permanent.
Does Jessica's door opener qualify as a life-sustaining device? No.
Why? Jessica's needs are not permanent, and she likely does not qualify for a backup battery device.
Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE)
CU Denver
The Hub, Bioengineering
1224 5th Street
Suite 130
Denver, CO 80204
303-315-1280
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