Aids and Mobility Devices

1.1        The Ministry of Health participates in the cost of purchasing medical rehabilitation devices.

1.2  Those eligible for assistance are persons with a permanent disability.

Note: Disabled persons who are hospitalized in nursing homes or in facilities of the Ministry of Welfare (retirement homes) are entitled only to participation in the cost of walking devices and artificial limbs.

1.3        The list of devices appears in the Third Schedule to the National Health Insurance Law, 5755-1995:

1. Mobility devices: manual wheelchairs, buggies, motorized chairs; commodes; special cushions for wheelchairs; inserts; home lifts; rear and front walkers, rollators, forearm crutches.
2. Beds and mattresses: manual and electric fowler beds; electric air mattresses to prevent pressure wounds.
3. Walking devices and prosthetic limbs: orthoses (for walking); prosthetic limbs; cosmetic glove to cover artificial hand; special medical shoes; prosthetic sock for amputee socket if the socket or prosthesis is changed.
4. Rehabilitation devices: prosthetic breast.
5. Hearing devices: hearing aids for children up to age 18.
6. Vision devices: prosthetic eye; telescopic and microscopic eyeglasses for children up to age 18; special contact lenses for children unable to wear eyeglasses.
7. Additional devices (only for a person in a household in which both spouses receive a National Insurance allowance + an income supplement): regular walkers; all kinds of walking canes; sponge cushions and mattresses to prevent pressure wounds.

1.4        Persons not eligible for assistance through the Ministry of Health – Those injured in work accidents, hostile acts, the IDF, road accidents and anyone receiving assistance from another source.

Translated by The Shira Pransky Project

2.      The Ministry of Health Funding policy

2.1           Ministry participation: The Ministry of Health funds 75% of the fixed price for a device, divided into two groups:

a.       Devices for which a maximum amount has been set, being less than the full price of the device.

b.      Devices for which three price quotes are examined, with the price set according to the lowest quote.

c.       Repair of devices: The Ministry of Health, through the local health offices, participates solely in the cost of repairing motorized mobility devices and in the cost of repairing walking devices and prosthetic limbs, at a rate of 90%.

2.2           Citizen's participation

a.       The citizen participates at 25% of the amount set by the Ministry of Health.

b.      A citizen who has difficulty in financing his part of the purchase can apply to the social worker at the health office, who is authorized to reduce the amount of the copayment.

c.       Prior to the purchase, it is important to consult with the responsible official in the health office.

2.3           Procedure for receiving the funding – The following documents should be attached to the application:

a.       Medical report signed by a doctor.

b.      Letter of recommendation of a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist from the insuring health fund.

c.       Children's special education institutions should also attach the recommendation of a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.

d.      Functional nursing care report signed by a nurse and social welfare report signed by a social worker.

e.       Additional documents will be requested, where necessary.

f.       Note: It is recommended that individuals consult with the district health office before starting the process of purchasing an item.

Translated by The Shira Pransky Project