Strong show of support for power seat elevation 

WASHINGTON – A total of 2,128 stakeholders submitted public comments in response to a proposed national coverage determination that would expand coverage for power seat elevation on Group 3 wheelchairs. 

Stakeholders ranged from NCART to U.S. Rehab to power wheelchair users to caretakers to the American Occupational Therapy Association to an ATP/CRTS at National Seating & Mobility to Merits to the Amputee Coalition. 

“Miller’s supports Medicare coverage of this important seating technology to establish important access for Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities and complex medical needs,” wrote Johnny Miller, president of Miller’s Rentals & Sales. “Power seat elevation is an important component of a complex rehab power wheelchair that allows people to perform or participate in the essential mobility-related activities of daily living (MRADLs) in his or her home. The need for and benefits of a power seat elevation system not only improves transfers, but it also improves beneficiary access to the vertical environment for reach and line of sight requirements to safely and effectively engage in one’s MRADLs. This is supported in the research, by subject matter expert consensus, patient-centered outcomes data, and is recognized by national disability and medical professional organizations. It is also supported by third-party payers such as state Medicaid programs, commercial payers, and the Veterans Administration that already provide coverage under their programs. We strongly believe it is time for the Medicare program, as the single largest health care insurer in the nation, to provide coverage for this enabling technology in the same manner, as well.” 

AAHomecare outlined its comments here. 

CMS published the proposed NCD on Feb. 15 and accepted comments through March 17. 

The agency will next publish a final NCD.