On September 24th, Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the titanium/carbon fiber wheelchair upgrade legislation, S.5154.

S.5154 aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to clarify payment rules for manual wheelchairs under part B of the Medicare program. Currently, if a consumer wants a titanium or carbon fiber manual wheelchair, they must pay for the full cost out of pocket, have their provider file a non-assigned claim on their behalf, and, if approved, wait to receive 80% of the Medicare allowable.

Key Benefits of the Legislation:

• Enabling Choice: Individuals can choose the wheelchair best suited for their medical, functional, and lifestyle needs.
• Removing Financial Barriers: Eliminates the financial obstacles that prevent individuals from obtaining a titanium or carbon fiber wheelchair.
• Protecting Access: Ensures access to quality and appropriate Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) products.

This legislation is crucial for protecting access to quality and correct DME/CRT products. Please reach out to your Senator, ask them to support for S.5154 by reaching out to either Sen. Blackburn’s office (christopher_kelly@blackburn.senate.gov) or Sen. Duckworth’s office (stephanie_deluca@duckworth.senate.gov).