California Eases Prior Authorization for CRT Wheelchair Repairs

SACRAMENTO, California—The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) recently made changes to prior authorization protocols for service and repair of complex rehab technology (CRT) equipment. 

The changes improve repair time by not requiring treatment authorization requests (TARs) when the cumulative cost for wheelchair repair maintenance or replacement parts is less than or equal to $2,500 within a calendar month. The department will require TARs (either retroactive or prior authorization) when the cumulative cost is greater than $2,500 within a calendar month.

The National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) and the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC)  commended the California DHCS for these changes and also praised Assemblymember Maggy Krell, who championed the effort to make the changes.

“We are grateful for Assemblymember Krell’s leadership and determination on this issue,” said Wayne Grau, executive director of NCART. “Thanks to Assemblymember Krell, we are making significant strides in California to improve service and repairs for this extremely vulnerable population of patients who are dependent on CRT equipment for their everyday lives.”

“As a lifelong powered wheelchair user, I am overjoyed that we have taken down this bureaucratic barrier,” said Russell Dawson Rawlings, communications and strategic partnerships manager for CFILC. “For decades, our community has struggled with access to timely CRT mobility device repair. Starting today, those of us who rely on powered wheelchairs no longer need to wait for weeks just to get our batteries, tires and seat cushions replaced.”

NCART also noted that for members who receive durable medical equipment through their assigned Medi-Cal managed care plan, providers must adhere to those individual plans, which may include prior authorization requirements.

For more information on these changes, click here.