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.

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.”