NCART Survey Paints Disturbing Picture for Complex Rehab

WASHINGTON–Ninety-six percent of rehab suppliers surveyed by
the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology say power
mobility reimbursement cuts will keep severely disabled Medicare
beneficiaries from getting the equipment they need.

The survey was released Tuesday in response to CMS’ new power
mobility fee schedule, which calls for cuts of more than 40 percent
for some equipment (see HomeCare Monday, Oct. 9). The new fees
are set to be implemented Nov. 15.

NCART surveyed 54 suppliers of complex power wheelchairs, and
said the results yielded disturbing news about the impact of the
Medicare cuts: 76 percent of the suppliers said they will no longer
provide the chairs if the cuts take effect. And 78 percent said
they would be unable to provide chairs already ordered by the
severely disabled because, in anticipation of the cuts, the
reimbursement does not cover their costs.

“It’s not just the suppliers who will be hurt,” said NCART
Executive Director Sharon Hildebrandt. “Persons battling diseases
such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy will surely be harmed
because suppliers will be so limited in what they can provide to
them. Some people with disabilities will not get what they truly
need.”

If these cuts are implemented, “the few remaining suppliers of
complex rehab equipment will be forced to carry fewer chairs, and
there will be limited choices of features such as back heights,
seat sizes and chair arms,” a release from the coalition said. “For
disabled individuals who spend their entire days in these chairs,
customization is critical to their safety, comfort and
independence.”

According to NCART, the cuts also will discourage investment in
research and development.

Since the fee schedule was released Oct. 2, industry
stakeholders and legislators have urged CMS to rescind and modify
it (see HomeCare Monday, Oct. 23).

The issue is even making its way into the upcoming elections.
Last week, the Democratic National Committee issued a statement
blaming Republicans and the Bush administration for the cuts.

“Republicans are not content to see seniors fall into the
Medicare Part D donut hole; now they want to take their wheelchairs
away, too,” said Becky Ogle, DNC senior advisor on disability.

“For many seniors and people with disabilities–including people
diagnosed with ALS, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spinal cord
injuries and severe brain injuries–mobility equipment is vital for
independent living. Every American deserves the opportunity to live
the American Dream, and to make their contribution to our society,”
she said. “Robbing people of their mobility and independence robs
them of that opportunity.”