Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) have recently introduced S. 5154, legislation to improve access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs for Medicare beneficiaries.  With just a few months left in the 118th Congressional session, it’s critically important that wheelchair suppliers, manufacturers, and other mobility stakeholders ask their legislators to support S. 5154 or similar legislation in the House: H.R. 5371.

S. 5154 and H.R. 5371 make changes to Medicare coding policy that removes the up-front costs for individuals who choose a wheelchair with these upgrades.

Please help streamline patient access to stronger and lighter wheelchairs that make it easier for end users to transport their equipment, such as putting the wheelchair in a vehicle, and also prevents excessive strain and shoulder breakdown when self-propelling. These benefits will allow manual wheelchair users to be more active and take part in community activities.  You can learn more about these bills and find additional advocacy guidance at aahomecare.org/CRT-Advocacy.

A pre-written message is shown on the right-hand side of the page; you are encouraged to add information to that message about your company’s work supporting individuals with mobility challenges, or your perspective as a caregiver, clinician or wheelchair user.  Please also share this link with your colleagues and contacts and ask them to take action, as well.