CALL TO ACTION: Congress must pass HR 3730 to support Complex Rehab Technology

Last year, disability advocates scored a major victory when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it would no longer apply Medicare Competitive Bid program information for Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) products and supporting services. This decision was specific to only power wheelchairs but it averted significant cuts and staved off drastic reductions in access to specialized equipment like seating and positioning systems, standing devices, gait trainers, among many other examples.

However, more than a year later, there has been no change in payment rates for manual wheelchair users who depend on CRT for greater health and independence. By reducing access to CRT equipment, there will be an increase in medical complications and out-of-pocket costs for people with disabilities.

Late last year, H.R. 3730 was introduced to stop CMS from using Competitive Bid pricing for CRT equipment for manual wheelchairs. With Congress in session for just two more weeks, it’s critical we put pressure on our legislators to pass this bill.

Power and manual CRT wheelchairs and CRT components are essential for many wheelchair users who are living with spinal cord injury. For these individuals, a wheelchair is not complete, usable, or safe without the appropriate complex rehab technology components included.

This legislation also has implications beyond people who require Medicare support. Insurance groups use the payment rates from the Medicare Competitive Bid program to define what they will and will not cover. That means many more people may have to fight or pay significant costs for equipment that is vital to their overall independence and quality of life.

People with disabilities who use a CRT manual wheelchair should have the same access to critical wheelchair components as those who use a CRT power wheelchair. 

The Reeve Foundation has set up THIS EASY FORM to reach your Congressional Representative and press them to vote on HR 3730.