Advocates for Separate Rehab Benefit Continue Efforts on the Hill

WASHINGTON—The foundation is laid, now the building begins.

That’s the word from some 160 complex rehab advocates who, during the Continuing Education and Legislative Advocacy Conference April 28-30 in Washington, D.C., lobbied hard for a separate Medicare benefit for complex rehab. The conference, sponsored by the National Registry of Rehabilitation Suppliers aided by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology, was the catalyst for 220 in-person meetings with congressional staff members and information funneled to another 20 offices, said Don Clayback, executive director of NCART.

“There were three specific objectives of each visit: create awareness and support for legislation supporting the separate benefit; secure additional signers for H.R. 3790 to eliminate competitive bidding; and arrange for the member of Congress to visit the company’s location during the August recess,” Clayback explained.

“Now, the important follow-up can take place,” he added. “We need to build on this momentum and foster these relationships on an individual level, especially with the legislative staff of those members that sit on key congressional committees.”

ATG Rehab, a national rehab equipment company, combined its national sales meeting with CELA and alone sent some 100 staff members to Capital Hill to lobby on behalf of the industry. “Management and staff members held 75 meetings with congressional members and legislative aides to advocate for H.R. 3790,” ATG Rehab officials reported.

They also advocated strongly for a separate complex rehab benefit under Medicare.

“Currently, the durable medical equipment benefit under Medicare applies primarily to basic medical home equipment such as canes, bed equipment or oxygen machines,” said Paul Bergantino, ATG Rehab CEO.

“The way the benefit is structured now does a great disservice to people with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—Lou Gehrig’s disease—spinal cord injury and spina bifida who require specialized knowledge, training, experience and skills to match their needs to highly sophisticated equipment. By designating a separate category for complex rehab equipment, we allow each individual to receive the mobility and seating options best suited for their condition.”

CELA organizers are urging complex rehab providers and other stakeholders to continue lobbying for the separate benefit, as well as for H.R. 3790. As of Friday afternoon, the bill to eliminate competitive bidding officially had 231 cosponsors. Stakeholders are working to get a companion bill introduced in the Senate.