Capitol Hill or bust: NCART, U.S. Rehab emphasize ‘real issue’ 

WASHINGTON - NCART and U.S. Rehab are set to host an in-person legislative day on Sept. 24 to address the economic challenges of being a complex rehab technology provider and to advocate for H.R. 5371, a bill that would improve access to titanium and carbon manual wheelchairs. 

Given the current political upheaval and the unpredictable environment created by the ongoing presidential race, strategic engagement in Washington, D.C., has become increasingly important, stakeholders say. 

"Taking care of individuals who need CRT equipment isn’t a Republican or Democrat issue,” said Wayne Grau, executive director of NCART. “We can't control what's happening in politics—that’s way above our pay grade—but we will continue to advocate to ensure we can take care of consumers. That’s the real issue.” 

The legislative day is returning to an in-person format this year, after being virtual for the past few years due to the pandemic. 

Among the talking points that participants will emphasize during visits with lawmakers and their staff: economic challenges like uncompensated travel time and high service costs, particularly in rural areas. Being reimbursed fairly is crucial to ensuring that providers can continue serving their clients effectively, stakeholders say. 

“We need our members to be compensated for the work they do,” said Tyler Mahncke, president of U.S. Rehab. 

Additionally, participants will highlight the health benefits of lighter, more advanced manual wheelchairs. The “Choices for Increased Mobility Act,” if passed, would help to prevent additional health care costs by reducing the need for shoulder injuries that can result from using heavier wheelchairs, stakeholders say. 

"If a consumer chooses to pay out of pocket for a particular product, they should have the right to do that,” said Grau. “At one point, CMS allowed it, but then they changed their mind. The simple fact is, this wouldn't cost taxpayers any additional money. All we're asking is to allow consumers to make that choice.”