The National Coalition for Assistive & Rehab Technology (NCART) is appealing the latest Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) allowable decision for seat elevation on Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) power wheelchairs. In a July 17 bulletin, NCART said it had submitted a HCPCS coding application “to formally appeal” the CMS decision to increase that…
NCART Announces Appeal of Medicare CRT Seat Elevation Allowable
AAHomecare Survey Asks How Medicare Cuts Are Impacting Beneficiary Access
The Medicare 75/25 blended relief rate for non-bid/non-rural areas ended Jan. 1.
A new survey from the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) is asking home medical equipment (HME) suppliers how Medicare funding cuts are affecting their businesses and impacting beneficiary access to medically necessary equipment. In a July 8 news announcement, AAHomecare announced a national survey “on the impact of the expired Medicare fee-for-service 75/25 blended rate…
Carelon Takeover of Medicaid Authorization for Maryland, Missouri, Wisconsin Now on Hold
Carelon was due to start handling prior authorization requests on July 1.
The July 1 transition that would have transferred prior authorization requests to Carelon Medical Benefits Management for Medicaid programs in Maryland, Missouri, and Wisconsin has been put on hold. In a June 28 bulletin, the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) said the transition “has been postponed until further notice. Suppliers in Maryland, Missouri, and Wisconsin…
Upcoming DME MAC Policy Change Will Facilitate Wheelchair Replacement
Policy revision will apply to wheelchairs from manufacturers who have gone out of business.
A policy change from the Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) will make it easier for a Medicare beneficiary to obtain a replacement wheelchair when the manufacturer of the wheelchair has gone out of business and there are no replacement parts — from either the original manufacturer or from aftermarket manufacturers — to…
DME MACs to Allow More Flexibility for MWC Home Assessments
Starting in July, “indirect” home assessments will be allowed for Medicare manual wheelchair claims.
The Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) have revised their home assessment requirement for manual wheelchairs provided to Medicare beneficiaries. Starting July 1, 2024, the DME MACs will allow home assessments to be “indirectly” obtained by the supplier who is providing the manual wheelchair. The DME MACs plan to remove the following from…
CMS Raises CRT Seat Elevation Medicare Allowable by $13.62
Joel Kaiser, director of the division of DMEPOS policy, responded to NCART’s recalculation request.
The Medicare allowable for seat elevation on a Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) power chair is getting a very modest increase. In a June 25 bulletin, the National Coalition for Assistive & Rehab Technology (NCART) said it had been notified that the allowable for HCPCS code E2298 — Complex rehabilitative power wheelchair accessory, power seat elevation…
Commentary: Once Again, Wheelchairs Considered Second-Class Solutions
Medicare is now funding personal exoskeletons. But what’s so wrong about rolling?
In April, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced Medicare coverage for personal exoskeletons. ReWalk (DBA: Lifeward), an exoskeleton manufacturer, praised the decision: “The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has officially revised its April 2024 Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) fee schedule to include a final lump-sum Medicare purchase…
ReWalk Robotics Lauds Medicare Allowable for Personal Exoskeletons
The final payment rate affects claims with dates of service on or after April 1.
ReWalk Robotics Ltd. (DBA: Lifeward) is lauding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) decision to provide Medicare coverage for personal exoskeletons. In an April 12 announcement, ReWalk — which manufactures the ReWalk personal exoskeleton and the ReStore Exo-Suit, among other rehabilitation products — said, “The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has officially…
CMS Announces Medicaid Services Final Rule on Access
The final rule seeks to make Medicaid FFS rates more transparent for stakeholders.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a final rule related to Medicaid access. In an April 24 bulletin, the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) discussed the Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services final rule, saying, “One of the biggest changes in this final rule are updates to documentation related to access to…
Commentary: Barbie Reigns, Seat Elevation Coverage Intrigues in Q1
Reviewing Mobility Management’s most-read stories this quarter.
The most-read Mobility Management story of Q1 2024 was bright pink and purple. Barbie Goes to Seating Clinic, published Jan. 23, was inspired by Lauren Rosen, PT, MPT, MSMS, ATP/SMS, program coordinator at the Motion Analysis Center, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital of Tampa (Fla.). Lauren passionately advocates for independent mobility for young children, which is…