Federal Issues
Congress Must Act to Protect Access:
People with significant disabilities depend on specialized wheelchairs, seating systems, and other adaptive equipment to maximize their independence and address their medical needs. These items are collectively referred to as Complex Rehab Technology (CRT). In recent years, access to these individually-configured products and their supporting services has been threatened by various reimbursement cuts and policy changes. Advocates continue to diligently work alongside Congress to introduce legislation that would provide permanent protection for CRT moving forward. Details on these Bills and how you can help are provided below.
Legislation for CRT Manual Wheelchair Accessories
Representatives Lee Zeldin (R-NY) and John Larson (D-CT) have introduced H.R. 3730 to stop CMS’ application of Medicare Competitive Bid pricing to accessories used with CRT manual wheelchairs. This will replace the previously introduced broader bill, H.R. 1361, written to prohibit CMS from using Competitive Bid pricing for accessories used with either CRT power or CRT manual wheelchairs.
Passage of this bill is needed to fix the current disparity that prevents people who use a CRT manual wheelchair from having the same access to CRT accessories as those using a CRT power wheelchair.
Send your Members of Congress an email asking them to contact Congressional Committee leadership to push for passage of H.R. 3730 before year-end!
- 2017-2018 Cosponsors by State
- H.R 3730 Position Paper
- ITEM Coalition Letter of Support
- H.R. 3730 Legislative Text
A Separate Benefit is Needed
In light of all the changes that the Complex Rehab Technology industry has faced in recent years, legislation has been reintroduced in the House of Representatives (H.R. 750) to provide permanent, appropriate recognition and coverage of Complex Rehab Technology (CRT). The legislation creates a Separate Category within the existing Medicare program to allow CRT to be distinguished from standard DME items such as basic wheelchairs and hospital beds. A Senate Companion Bill will be reintroduced in coming weeks and additonal details will be posted to this site. Email your Members of Congress to ask for their support!
- 2017-2018 Cosponsors by State
- H.R. 750 Position Paper
- 2016 Cosponsors by State
- CRT Mobility Comparison
- CRT Codes Included in Legislation
The CRT Separate Benefit Category initiative is being led by the following Steering Committee Organizations:
- National Coalition for Assistive & Rehab Technology (NCART)
- American Association for Homecare (AAH)
- National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers (NRRTS)
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)
- Clinician Task Force (CTF)
- United Spinal Association (USA)
- Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid Coalition (ITEM)