A bill to define complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) and services and provide a separate Medicare benefit category for them has been reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The news came as much of the industry was gathered for the International Seating Symposium in Nashville, Tenn., on March 5.
“Our lucky number is H.R. 942,” said Don Clayback, executive director of NCART, in sharing the news with stakeholders.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wisc.).
This is the second time around for the bill, originally introduced by Crowley in April of last year. That bill collected 38 co-sponsors – and boasted support from more than a dozen representatives from the critical House Ways & Means and Energy & Commerce Committees. The bill expired at the end of 2012.
This time, the bill was co-introduced by a Democrat and a Republican.
The Ensuring Access To Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2013 “appropriately distinguishes CRT products and makes other required changes to better address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and medical conditions who require these specialized products and related services,” Clayback said in a letter to industry supporters.
He added that more than 40 associations have pledged their support to the bill.
Noting that CRT providers earn substantial portions of their incomes from servicing – not just selling – products, Clayback pointed out that a separate benefit category that differentiates CRT from durable medical equipment would ensure “everybody’s going to play by the same rules.”
To track the progress of H.R. 942, visit access2crt.org.
