Over the past few months, we’ve sent several alerts regarding pending threats to accessing Complex Rehab Technology (CRT), including individually configured wheelchair accessories such as seating systems, head rests, tilt and lift, and more. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) planned to apply competitive bid pricing to Complex Rehab wheelchair accessories beginning January 1, 2016.
Thankfully, just before leaving for December recess, Congress passed S. 2425, the “Patient Access and Medicare Protection Act,” which includes a one-year delay of the application of competitive bid pricing to complex wheelchair components / accessories! The delay will protect access to this specialized technology in the coming year, and it will give Congress (and advocates) another year to work on a permanent solution.
Many people with disabilities rely on this technology to live independently, and we thank all of you who took action and contacted your members of Congress about this important issue! It was in large part the work of disability advocates around the country that made this possible. NCIL will continue to join forces with other advocacy organizations that are working on this issue in the next year, but in the meantime, let’s celebrate this victory!
