CareSource Increases Access To Adaptive Equipment

CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan, has named Turnstone a 2022 Heart of Community award recipient and presented a gift of $22,000 in support of their Equipment Loan Program. Turnstone lends gently-used adaptive equipment and other items at no charge to individuals with disabilities.

“CareSource knows how critical medical equipment is to keeping individuals independent and active,” said Steve Smitherman, president of CareSource Indiana. “We are grateful for organizations like Turnstone and their efforts to improve the lives of Hoosiers.”

In 2021, Turnstone loaned more than 450 pieces of equipment at no charge to 260 people with disabilities. Equipment included wheelchairs, toilets, bath benches, crutches, canes, walkers and grab bars.

“Accessing necessary medical and adaptive equipment is critical for the quality of life for people with disabilities, but the expense is often an obstacle,” said Michael Mushett, CEO of Turnstone. “More than 64% of the people we serve live below 200% of the federal poverty level. CareSource’s financial support ensures we can continue offering the Equipment Loan Program for those who need it most.”

According to the Annual Disability Statistics Compendium, people with disabilities in Allen County are 2.7 times more likely to be living in poverty as people without disabilities.

Additional information on the Equipment Rental Program can be found at turnstone.org.

About CareSource

CareSource is a nonprofit, nationally recognized managed care organization with over 2 million members. Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio since its founding in 1989, CareSource administers one of the largest Medicaid managed care plans in the U.S. The organization offers health insurance, including Medicaid, Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicare Advantage and dual-eligible programs. Through its network of health plans, CareSource serves members in Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. The company is leading the way in serving populations with complex needs and extended its presence into 12 additional states with the acquisition of The Columbus Organization, a trusted partner to health care agencies and provider organizations in improving coordination and support for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges through its staffing, quality improvement and care coordination services. As a mission-driven organization, CareSource is transforming health care with innovative programs that address the social determinants of health, health equity, prevention and access to care.