A bill that would provide a more accessible pathway for Medicare beneficiaries to upgrade to carbon fiber or titanium ultralightweight wheelchairs has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R. 1703 was introduced on Feb. 27 by Rep. John Joyce (R-Pa.) and Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.). It’s described on the Congress.gov website as amending…
Bill for Medicare Carbon Fiber, Titanium Upgrades Introduced in House
United Spinal ‘Closely Following’ Executive Orders Impacting People with Disabilities
President Trump’s executive order could impact funding for Medicaid and other programs.
United Spinal Association is keeping a watchful eye on health-care and disability funding policies that could change due to executive orders from President Trump. “Our policy and advocacy team is gathering all the facts about the orders and resulting policies that impact our community,” said United Spinal President/CEO Vincenzo Piscopo in a Feb. 3 bulletin…
Poll: Medicare, Medicaid Remain Hugely Popular as Trump Administration Takes Over
A large majority of respondents believe health care will become less affordable in the next few years.
Results of a new poll conducted by KFF (formerly the Kaiser Family Foundation) show that a large majority of Americans have favorable views of Medicare and Medicaid, regardless of political party affiliation. While President Donald Trump’s incoming administration and a new Congress have discussed slashing Medicaid funding —reporting this month from Politico mentioned potentially $2.3…
Ultralightweight Wheelchair Upgrade Bill Introduced in Senate
The bill provides a path for wheelchair riders to upgrade to titanium or carbon fiber frames.
Once again, a bill to provide a path for ultralightweight wheelchair riders to upgrade to titanium or carbon fiber frames has been introduced in the Senate. The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) announced the bill’s introduction in a Jan. 27 bulletin. “The Choices for Mobility Act, S. 247, closely follows titanium/carbon fiber legislation introduced in…
Commentary: CRT As Prevention? What a Concept!
A new report published by VGM & Associates suggests Medicare competitive bidding has run its course.
A new report, authored by Brian Leitten of Leitten Consulting and published by VGM & Associates, contends that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has taken the wrong perspective of durable medical equipment (DME) for at least for the last two decades. The 2003 Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act gave rise…
‘Dear Colleague’ House Letter Urges CMS to Open Coverage Determination for Power Standing
The deadline for representatives to sign onto the letter is Sept. 27.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) have penned another “Dear Colleague” letter asking the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to open a coverage determination for power standing on power wheelchairs. “Please contact your U.S. representative today and urge them to sign on to the Dingell/Fitzpatrick Congressional sign-on letter urging CMS…
Medtrade 2025 to Launch ‘CRT Live’ Showcase for Complex Rehab
The new feature was created to boost Complex Rehab Technology participation.
Medtrade is making changes to attract more Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) exhibitors to its February 2025 event in Dallas. In an Aug. 28 news announcement, Medtrade said it’s created a new feature — CRT Live — to focus on seating and wheeled mobility manufacturers. Among the CRT exhibitors committing to Medtrade’s next show is Rifton,…
NCART Announces Appeal of Medicare CRT Seat Elevation Allowable
In June, CMS increased the allowable by $13.62.
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…
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…
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…