June 23, 2021

CRT Stakeholders and Friends,

We are very pleased to share that CMS has announced a 90-day extension of the suspension of the application of Medicare Competitive Bidding Program pricing to CRT manual wheelchair accessories. The current policy will stay in place through October 1 and there will not be any payment cuts or claims processing changes.

The announcement states “CMS is actively reviewing public comments submitted to the agency on related rulemakings, including engaging in future rulemaking, and will update interested stakeholders and suppliers when more information is available."

The full announcement from CMS can be found at https://www.cms.gov/Center/Provider-Type/Durable-Medical-Equipment-DME-Center. The post includes many of our CRT messaging points, which is a very good sign as we move ahead on this issue.

While this is not a permanent fix, it shows that the concerns of the CRT community are being heard and listened to. Discussions with CMS will continue and we will provide further updates as they become available.

We want to thank Congressman John Larson (D-CT) and his colleagues in Congress for their leadership and thank CMS for their actions that protect access to CRT manual wheelchairs.

And special thanks to all the consumer, clinician, and industry individuals and national organizations for coming together to urge their Members of Congress and other policy makers to take needed action. A great sign that collective advocacy works!

Regards, 

Don

Donald E. Clayback
Executive Director | NCART
716-839-9728 | www.ncart.us