Get Congress to Pass H.R. 7217 to Protect Complex Manual Wheelchairs
WHAT: We need everyone to contact Congress to get H.R. 7217 passed next week.
Two very important CRT provisions have been added to a larger year-end "Medicaid" House bill that was introduced yesterday afternoon. The bill number is H.R. 7217 (short title is the "Improve Act") and is expected to be voted on this week.
WHY: Inappropriate Medicare payment cuts have been reducing access.
Medicare has been inappropriately applying Competitive Bid pricing to reduce payments for critical components of Complex Rehab manual wheelchairs. Legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives (bill number H.R. 7217) to suspend this and to permanently prevent CMS from including Complex Rehab manual wheelchairs in the Competitive Bidding Program. Passage of this bill will allow people with significant disabilities who use Complex Rehab manual wheelchairs to have the same access to important wheelchair systems as those using Complex Rehab power wheelchairs.
HOW: We've prepared emails and talking points you can use to contact your Members.
Use the links below, enter your address to determine your congressional district, and follow the instructions provided to ask your Members of Congress to pass H.R. 7217 this week!
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Additional Resources:
More Details
Position Paper
Consumer/Clinician Letter of Support
What is Complex Rehab Technology (CRT)?
People with significant disabilities depend on individually-configured manual and power wheelchairs, custom seating and positioning systems, and other adaptive equipment such as gait trainers and standing devices 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.