Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced legislation that would improve access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs for Medicare beneficiaries. The new bill, S 5154, would create two new HCPCS codes for complex rehab technology (CRT) manual wheelchairs and allow for an upgrade within a code.

The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) is asking complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) advocates to raise support for co-sponsors. AAHomecare said that support can also be shown by asking representatives to co-sponsor HR 5371 and work to move that legislation forward before the end of 2024.

The Push for CRT Improvements

Other notable improvements to CRT this year include the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) release of its final coding and payment determination for CRT seat elevation systems, as well as the CRT repair achievement brought about by AAHomecare and many Tennessee advocates.

AAHomecare and Tennessee Mobility worked with policy leads at Permobil, NSM, Numotion, Quantum and Sunrise Medical to make an effective case for CRT repairs with key Tennessee legislators.

The success of the partnership was seen earlier this year when the Tennessee House of Representatives unanimously approved an amended version of the state’s HB 2147/SB 2368. The legislation marked the first time a preventative maintenance provision for CRT with reimbursement was passed in any state.

The legislation, which went into effect on July 1, required Tenncare plans to cover and pay for preventative maintenance on CRT wheelchairs at least once per year. It also established consumers’ rights to self-repair and purchase certain CRT repair parts directly from the manufacturer and implemented “service what you sell” for CRT, which requires CRT providers to service equipment and wheelchairs sold to Tennessee consumers.