Choices for Increased Mobility Act Passes Senate

WASHINGTON—The Choices for Increased Mobility Act (HR 1703), has passed the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent, clearing its final legislative hurdle. The bill now heads to the president for signature.

The legislation is budget neutral and was supported throughout the process by the durable medical equipment, prosthetics and orthotics industry (DMEPOS) and patient advocacy organizations, including the ITEM Coalition. This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish specific Medicare billing codes for certain materials used in ultralightweight manual wheelchairs. It allows Medicare beneficiaries to access manual wheelchairs constructed with carbon fiber and titanium materials.

Senate passage is the culmination of more than six years of advocacy by the American Association of Homecare (AAHomecare), VGM, the National Coalition for Assistive & Rehab Technology (NCART), complex rehab technology (CRT) stakeholders and patient advocacy partners.

“This is a tremendous win for Medicare beneficiaries who rely on lightweight mobility technology,” said Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare. “Getting here took sustained, relentless advocacy from providers, manufacturers, clinicians and mobility stakeholders who refused to give up. This legislation will change lives, and I’m excited to see it finally pass the finish line.”

AAHomecare said it is grateful to Rep. John Joyce, who helped steer this legislation through the House, and Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Tammy Duckworth for their support in the Senate.