Legislation Introduced in House to Improve Wheelchair Access

WASHINGTON—Representatives John Joyce (R-PA) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) introduced legislation to improve access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs for Medicare beneficiaries. HR 1703 would create two new HCPCS codes for complex rehab technology (CRT) manual wheelchairs and allow for an upgrade within a code. The bill includes the same language as S 247, which was introduced in the Senate on Jan. 24.

“This legislation allows manual wheelchair users to choose the wheelchair that is best suited for their medical needs and lifestyle preferences without adding any costs to the Medicare program,” said Tom Ryan, president & CEO of the American Association of Homecare (AAHomecare). “These are common-sense bills that every member of Congress should support. Now that we have bills in both the House and Senate, mobility stakeholders need to make sure their legislators are aware and on board.”

Call to Action

AAHomecare urged industry members to reach out to their representatives and senators to ask that they co-sponsor and support these bills. Find additional guidance on messaging and engaging your legislators at aahomecare.org/crt-advocacy. Outreach will build awareness for HR 1703/S 247 and support direct lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill.

While direct contact with congressional health care staff makes the strongest impression, you can also send a pre-drafted message asking your legislators to support HR 1703 and S 247 using AAHomecare’s Voter Voice advocacy tool. AAHomecare asks those who use the tool to edit the letter there to include your perspectives on how increasing access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs will improve the lives of the patients you serve.