CRT Advocates and Friends,

As we announced last week, CMS has officially shared its proposed coverage determination for power seat elevation systems (read the full decision memo here). Getting to this point in the process has required consistent and collaborative efforts from the CRT community and we are thankful to each and every advocate who has taken action along the way.

The agency determined that power seat elevation systems are reasonable and necessary for individuals using Group 3 power wheelchairs when all of the following conditions are met:

1.) The individual performs weight-bearing transfers to/from the power wheelchair while in the home, using either their upper extremities during a non-level (uneven) sitting transfer and/or their lower extremities during a sit-to-stand transfer. Transfers may be accomplished with or without caregiver assistance and/or the use of assistive equipment (e.g. sliding board, cane, crutch, walker); and,

2.) The individual has undergone a specialty evaluation by a practitioner who has specific training and experience in rehabilitation wheelchair evaluations, such as a physical therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT), that assesses the individual’s ability to safely use the seat elevation equipment in the home.

Our work is not done yet and we still need your help. CMS will now be accepting public comments regarding the proposed coverage until March 17, 2023.

WE NEED YOU TO TAKE ACTION!

1.) Please review the proposed decision memo from CMS and submit comments in support of the decision. The dedicated website at www.rise4access.org has been updated with suggested talking points and instructions on how to submit your comments. Again, COMMENTS ARE DUE BY Friday, March 17.

2.) Please share this new comment opportunity with others.  It is critical that CMS receives as many supportive stakeholder comments as possible, including both detailed organizational comments and individual comments from individuals who use wheelchairs, caregivers, healthcare providers, manufacturers, friends, family, and all other advocates!

We continue to work with the ITEM Coalition to collect additional data and engage with our Congressional champions. We will share updates as they become available. Thank you all in advance for taking continued action to secure coverage of this critical technology!