Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) stakeholders at a Sept. 10 Congressional fly-in urged Congress to support H.R. 5371, a bill to provide Medicare beneficiaries a path for upgrading their ultralightweight wheelchair frames to carbon fiber or titanium at their own cost.

In a Sept. 18 news announcement, the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) reported that advocates took 49 Congressional meetings during fly-in to support the Choices for Increased Mobility Act.

AAHomecare added that a Senate version of the bill is expected soon, to be introduced by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.).

“Our CRT leaders made a strong impression across the Hill that included reaching a high proportion of meetings with members of committees of jurisdiction for federal health-care finance issues,” said Alexis Ward, AAHomecare senior director of payer relations. “Our advocates covered a lot of ground, with most of them meeting with five or more Congressional offices. This effort demonstrates the great commitment of the leaders on our Complex Rehab & Mobility Council and the CRT industry at large who took part in the fly-in.”

AAHomecare also urged stakeholders to reach out to their representatives’ health-care staffers to ask them to support H.R. 5371 and move the bill forward during the current Congressional session.

“With upcoming elections shortening the fall legislative calendar on Capitol Hill, a strong grassroots push is needed to move the legislation forward,” the association noted.

The National Coalition for Rehab & Assistive Technology (NCART) and U.S. Rehab are hosting a second Capitol Hill fly-in on Sept. 24. H.R. 5371 will also be a focus of that event, NCART said in a Sept. 17 news update.

Attendees will also be asking House members to “join their colleagues in attaching their signature to the power standing ‘Dear Colleague’ letter,” NCART added.