Save money...don't buy crutches or braces from the hospital

Hospitals will make money any way they can, and items that you need when leaving are a prime target for them. For items like crutches, braces, etc, you are much better off getting them on your own.

Best bets are a local independently owned drugstore, or a medical supply store. Some will even rent items like crutches, which can save you money if you only need them for a week or two.

If you happen to be on Medicare, they will cover crutches in most situations. Their rules for crutches:

• The crutches are to be used repeatedly, and not occasionally.
• They are needed for a specific medical purpose ( strain, sprain, break, etc )
• The primary reapurpose son for needing them is to assist with post-condition mobility, and not to prevent a future injury from occurring, especially  where no injury already exists

Also, if you can wait a few days for shipping, try ordering them on the internet, usually for less than $40, a fraction of what a hospital would charge you.