Financial Assistance

Thanks to our generous donors, we are able to fulfill many requests for financial assistance for those living with muscular dystrophy.

We have three main ways of providing financial assistance to Indiana residents living with MD or neuromuscular diseases (as listed on the MDA website here).

1. Accessible Van Giveaway. The application process is open December to February. Learn more.
2. Partial Van Assistance (AVA program). Learn more here.
3. Direct financial assistance for equipment and home modification. See below.

MDFF’s focus is on specific needs that raise your quality of life and we want you to live your best life possible. As much as we’d like to provide funding above and beyond specific needs, our financial resources are limited.

*Please note – we will always need documentation for a denial of coverage by insurance or Waiver for all equipment requests prior to determination. MDFF has an Assistance Request Committee to determine how to distribute funding through mindfulness of the amount requested and the specific need you have identified. We reserve the right to decline any application or ask for additional information before making a final decision.

*We are also unable to reimburse for items for which payment has already been made.

If you need assistance regarding the Medicaid Waiver and accessing this financial resource, please call us at 317.615.9140. We can connect you to our Medicaid Waiver expert to help you navigate the process. It is highly recommended you start the Medicaid Waiver process as soon as possible as it can help fund many of the equipment and modifications you’ll need now or in the future.

Below is a list of items MDFF may potentially help cover, if not covered by insurance or Waiver: 

• Floor modifications 
• Wheelchair adaptations 
• Wheelchairs – manual or power 
• Standers / seat elevators
• Bathroom remodifications/needed updates 
• Toilet lift 
• Shower chair 
• Ramps 
• Hoyer lifts 
• IndyGo Open Door Passes 
• Emergency Rental Transportation 
• Van conversion costs to be accessible
• Other needed equipment items as determined on a case-by-case basis 
   

Below is a list of items that MDFF does not provide financial assistance for: 

• A piece of equipment covered by insurance or waiver
• Down payment on a home 
• Hotel stays for hospital visits
• Routine vehicle maintenance such as tires, oil, etc.
• Yard fences 
• Animal companion fees or services 
• Bills (gas, utilities, and food) 
• Items that have been paid in full.  Reimbursement cannot be provided for items for which payment has already been completed.

If you do need assistance with daily bills such as gas, utilities, food, or travel to/from appointments, please contact a social worker within your local clinic or hospital to help determine if there are options for temporary assistance in your area.  For many hospitals, you can call the main line and ask for the social worker on call.