Complex Rehab Legislation Moves Forward

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 11, 2019)—Efforts to protect access to manual complex rehab technology (CRT) wheelchairs and accessories took another step forward today as the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy & Commerce Committee approved HR 2328, the “Reauthorizing and Extending America’s Community Health Act” (REACH Act). The bill includes similar language to HR 2293, legislation that AAHomecare and other mobility stakeholders have been supporting since its introduction in April.

CRT-related provisions in HR 2328 would permanently exclude CRT manual wheelchairs from the competitive bidding program and exempt CRT manual wheelchair accessories from bidding-derived pricing from Jan. 1, 2020 through Dec. 31, 2020.

“We’re pleased to see that the effort to protect access to the full range of CRT equipment and accessories is moving forward on Capitol Hill,” noted Tom Ryan, president and CEO of the American Association for Homecare. “Thanks to the continued leadership of Reps. John Larson (D-Conn.) and Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) and the persistent grassroots engagement of CRT providers and patient advocacy groups, we’re one step closer to keeping these specialized products out of the bidding program. I would also like to thank leaders on Energy and Commerce Committee and the Ways and Means Committee for taking up this important issue.”

Similar language was also included in HR 3429, the “HEARTS and Rural Relief Act,’’ which was approved by the House Ways and Means Committee on June 26.

HR 2328 will now move to the full House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.

CRT-related provisions included in HR 2328 can be seen here starting on page 23 of the draft of the legislation.