Rehab Carve-Out Introduced in Congress

WASHINGTON–Legislation that would carve out rehab and assistive
technology from competitive bidding has been introduced in the
House of Representatives.

Rep. Ron Lewis, R-Ky., recently introduced H.R. 4994, which
would exclude complex rehabilitation and assistive technology
products from Medicare’s national competitive bidding program for
DME. Bidding begins in 10 yet-to-be-announced metropolitan areas
next year.

The legislation defines complex rehab and assistive technology
products as medically necessary adaptive seating, positioning and
mobility devices and speech-generating devices that are evaluated,
fitted, configured, adjusted or programmed to meet the specific
needs of an individual with a primary diagnosis resulting from
injury or trauma, or which is neuromuscular in nature. According to
the legislation, medical necessity must take into account the
diagnosis, prognosis and functional need of the individual and the
expected progression of the disease or disability involved.

“This legislation will be of great benefit for people with
disabilities in ensuring that they will continue to have access to
the medical equipment they need and the level of service required,”
said Rita Hostak, president of the National Coalition for Assistive
and Rehab Technology. “We are excited and gratified that there is
recognition of the unique needs that are addressed by rehab and
assistive technology and that it deserves special consideration in
the national competitive acquisition program.”

To support the proposed legislation, NCART has rescheduled its
second annual legislative fly-in for May 22-23. The two-day program
will include the group’s Rehab Technology Fair, featuring product
demonstrations and displays to educate members of Congress and
their aides about rehab equipment. Hill visits will be held
Tuesday, May 23.

For more information on NCART or to register for the fly-in,
visit www.ncart.us.