Senators Introduce Carbon Fiber, Titanium Wheelchair Legislation

WASHINGTON—Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) have introduced legislation that aims to improve access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs for Medicare beneficiaries, the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) wrote in a recent newsletter to members. The Choices for Mobility Act (S 247) seeks to follow titanium and carbon fiber legislation that was introduced in the previous Congress, as well as create two new health care common procedure coding system codes for complex rehabilitation technology manual wheelchairs and allow for an upgrade within a code.

The legislation aims to improve access to lightweight carbon fiber and titanium wheelchairs. Additionally, the legislation seeks to allow individuals with mobility challenges to choose wheelchairs that are best suited for their medical, functional and lifestyle needs and preferences, without increasing costs to the Medicare program.

In the member newsletter, AAHomecare said reaching out to Senators to ask that they co-sponsor and support S 247 would support the new legislation. Additional guidance on messaging and reaching out to Capitol Hill is available here.

AAHomecare said that outreach can help build momentum for this legislation and support direct lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill. Additionally, AAHomecare is working with homecare advocates on the House side to introduce a companion bill soon.