FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, March 19, 2015 Contact: Ben Miller (Sensenbrenner) 202-225-5101 Courtney Gidner (Crowley) 202-225-3965 Sensenbrenner & Crowley Reintroduce Legislation to Improve Access to Complex Rehabilitation Technology for Medicare Patients (WASHINGTON) - Congressmen Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) and Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.) today reintroduced the Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act, which would help ensure patients with disabilities or severe medical conditions have access to highly specialized medical equipment. The bill establishes a distinct Medicare benefit category for complex rehabilitation technology products (CRT), such as specialized power wheelchairs and adaptive seating systems. It would also allow the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to better target its payment and coverage policies by adopting higher quality standards for suppliers, improving oversight to prevent fraud and abuse and expanding eligibility criteria for beneficiaries. Congressman Sensenbrenner: "As a leader in the fight for the rights of the disabled, I want to ensure all Americans have access to the tools needed to live each day to the fullest. Americans with disabilities should not be denied rehabilitation or medical equipment that can enable them to live and work freely and independently. With increased flexibility and proper oversight, we can help those in need while inhibiting fraud and abuse." Congressman Crowley: "Complex rehabilitation technology products can make a world of difference for people with severe disabilities and other medical conditions, and our legislation will remove barriers to getting these wheelchairs and other services to those who need them to lead a more independent life. I look forward to advancing this legislation that recognizes the importance of maintaining access to these products, as well as puts in place much-needed quality standards and consumer protections that strengthen the Medicare program for individuals, clinicians, and suppliers." The Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act is supported by multiple patient, medical professional and supplier organizations, including: American Association for Homecare, American Physical Therapy Association, Brain Injury Association of America, Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Easter Seals, National Association for Home Care & Hospice, National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and United Spinal Association.