The bill that would create a more accessible path for Medicare beneficiaries wanting to upgrade their ultralightweight wheelchairs was described as “common sense” during a Jan. 8 Energy and Commerce Health subcommittee meeting. The meeting centered on several bills related to durable medical equipment and funding barriers such as competitive bidding. Tom Ryan, president/CEO of…
Ultralightweight Upgrade Bill Called ‘Common Sense’ at Congressional Meeting
Congressional Subcommittee to Discuss Ultralightweight Upgrade Bill on Jan. 8
The House Energy & Commerce’s subcommittee will also discuss bills related to durable medical equipment funding.
The House Energy & Commerce’s subcommittee on health will be discussing H.R. 1703, the titanium/carbon fiber ultralightweight upgrade bill, among other bills during a Jan. 8 hearing. The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) called for constituents of health subcommittee members to reach out to their representatives’ health care staffers by Wednesday, Jan. 7, “and ask…
Commentary: How RISE Could Impact CRT’s Next Generation of Clinicians
We need more occupational and physical therapists, not fewer.
It is no secret that the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) industry is an aging one, professionally speaking. In May 2019, I quoted the University of Pittsburgh’s Mark Schmeler, Ph.D., OTR/L, ATP, who said the average age of an industry Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) — which includes clinicians — was 52. The age of the average…
Duchenne MD Added to Screening Panel; United Spinal Welcomes Hawaii Chapter
Featuring the Department of Health & Human Services and United Spinal Association.
HHS Adds Duchenne MD to Screening Panel for Newborns The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has added Duchenne muscular dystrophy and metachromatic leukodystrophy to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) for newborns. “Early detection of both conditions allows children to receive FDA [Food & Drug Administration]-approved therapies at the most effective time,…
Telehealth Update: Industry Organizations Comment on Latest Extension, 2025 Wins
While the latest continuing resolution provided another extension, a permanent telehealth option remains elusive.
Telehealth proved its efficacy during the heart of the COVID-19 public health emergency, when hospitals and clinics sharply limited in-person appointments, but wheelchairs and seating provision for Medicare beneficiaries still needed to move forward. The telehealth option isn’t the answer in every situation: It’s not a good fit where internet connections are unreliable or when…
ISWP Seeks to Raise $250K for Wheelchair Impact Fund
The International Society of Wheelchair Professionals supports wheelchair professional education worldwide.
As 2025 winds down, the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) is seeking donations to its Wheelchair Impact Fund, which supports wheelchair provision worldwide. “Appropriate wheelchair provision requires inclusive policies, access to a range of appropriate products, trained providers, comprehensive procurement systems, and real participation from wheelchair users,” ISWP Executive Director Alex Kamadu said in…
Briefly: CMS Announces Medicare Part B Premium, Deductible; New Mobility Seeks a Print Return
Featuring the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and United Spinal Association.
CMS Announces Medicare Part B Premium, Deductible Increases for 2026 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $202.90 in 2026. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $283. That’s an increase of $17.90 for the monthly…
AAHomecare, VGM Seek Grassroots Accountability Project Volunteers
GAP advocates will bring industry issues to their specific members of Congress.
The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) and VGM & Associates are partnering on the Grassroots Accountability Project (GAP) — and as the project’s name suggests, they are seeking advocacy volunteers. In a Nov. 19 bulletin, AAHomecare described GAP as “an initiative focused on strengthening the HME [home medical equipment] industry’s presence on Capitol Hill. We…
Adaptive Outdoor Education Center Joins United Spinal as New Chapter
The association’s latest addition has campuses in Maine.
Adaptive Outdoor Education Center (AOEC), based in Carrabassett Valley, Maine, has become United Spinal Association’s latest chapter. In a Nov. 14 announcement, United Spinal said, “There are few things as empowering as learning how to navigate the outdoors as a wheelchair user. After you’ve figured out how to slide down a snowy mountain, traverse a…
AAHomecare: Keep Advocating During Final Rule Watch
The home health final rule, which could include monumental changes to Medicare competitive bidding and accreditation, could come at any time.
As the home medical equipment (HME) industry continues to await the home health final rule that could include significant changes to Medicare competitive bidding and accreditation processes, the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) is urging stakeholders to keep speaking up. The final rule had been expected as early as Oct. 31. But in a Nov.…