Rehabilitation, Walking and Mobility Devices: Health Ministry Purchase Assistance
Rehabilitation, Walking and Mobility Devices
The Ministry of Health (MoH) assists in funding the cost of rehabilitation, walking and mobility devices for people with a permanent disability based on criteria established in the ministry procedures. The service is provided to the public through the health offices.
People with disabilities who receive assistance from another source, including Disabled IDF and Ministry of Defense veterans, victims of hostilities, work-related accident victims, road accident victims from 1975 onwards, and victims of Nazi persecution are not entitled to assistance from the Ministry of Health. People with disabilities who are hospitalized in nursing homes or in facilities of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services (retirement homes) are only entitled to funding towards the cost of walking devices and artificial limbs.
Funding Policies
The Ministry of Health funds 90% of the cost of mobility devices, and 75% of the cost of rehabilitation devices The contribution towards the cost of walking devices varies, and is based on either the maximum price set by the Ministry of Health, or by using the lower of three price quotes. A citizen who has difficulty financing their part of the purchase can apply for additional assistance via the social worker at MoH, who is authorized to reduce the amount of the co-payment. For further details, visit MoH's web page on Assistance Funding Rehabilitation and Ambulatory Assistance Devices.
Prior to the purchase, it is important to consult with a social worker for help with applying for funding. Some or all of the following documents may be required:
- Medical report signed by a doctor.
- Letter of recommendation of a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist from the insuring health fund.
- Children's special education institutions should also attach the recommendation of a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
- Functional nursing care report signed by a nurse and social welfare report signed by a social worker.
Additional documents will be requested, when necessary.
Note: It is recommended that individuals consult with the district health office before starting the process of purchasing an item.
Repair of devices:
The Ministry of Health contributes towards the cost of repairing motorized mobility devices after the supplier's warranty expires. For more information, click here.
List of devices
Note: We always aim to provide the most updated information available, though the Ministry of Health sometimes updates their information on their Hebrew website.
Rehabilitation devices
- Hearing aids for children up to age 18
- Low vision aids, such as telescopic and microscopic eyeglasses, for children up to age 18
- Special contact lenses for children unable to wear eyeglasses
- Prosthetic breast (and first bra), eyes, nose and ears
Mobility devices
- Manual wheelchairs, buggies, motorized chairs
- Inserts
- Commodes
- Special cushions for wheelchairs
- Manual and electric fowler and hi/low beds
- Electric air mattresses to prevent pressure wounds
- Home lifts (hydraulic or mechanical)
- Reverse walkers, walkers, forearm walkers and forearm crutches
Walking devices and prosthetic limbs
- Orthoses (for walking)
- Prosthetic limbs
- Cosmetic glove for artificial hand
- Special medical shoes
- Prosthetic socks
Additional devices for recipients of (government) allowances
- Regular walkers
- Various types of walking canes
- Sponge cushions and mattresses to prevent pressure wounds
For more information, please visit The Ministry of Health English Pages on Rehabilitation and Mobility Devices or contact a Healthcare Advisor at healthcare@yadlolim.org
