H.R. 4378, the U.S. House of Representatives bill that would create a separate Medicare benefit category for complex rehab technology, has signed its first 10 supporters, says NCART Executive Director Don Clayback.
The bill, officially known as the Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2012, was introduced on April 16 by Rep. Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.), a member of the House Ways & Means committee.
Three more Ways & Means committee members are currently among H.R. 4378’s official supporters: Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.), Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.) and
Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.).
The other co-sponsors, as of Clayback’s May 21 announcement, are Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) of the House’s Energy & Commerce committee, Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.), Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.), Rep. Bill Posey (R-Fla.), Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.), and Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.).
“This is a good beginning,” Clayback said in announcing the bill’s supporters, “and I know active discussions with other offices are underway. We need to build on the momentum we have started and continue to secure more co-sponsors.”
As part of the ongoing support effort, the bill’s steering committee — the American Association for Homecare, the Clinician Task Force, NCART, NRRTS, RESNA and United Spinal Association – presented a May 24 Webinar called “Getting Behind H.R. 4378 — the Complex Rehab Separate Benefit Category Legislation.”
Clayback said that the Webinar was recorded for use by stakeholders unable to attend the live presentations.
