Tag: NCART
Complex rehab stakeholders rally around titanium bill
October 4, 2024Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON – Two congressional fly-ins in September, which resulted in more than 100 meetings with lawmakers and their staff, served as a call for action to improve access to titanium and carbon fiber ultralightweight manual wheelchairs.
AAHomecare hit the Hill on Sept. 10, followed by NCART and U.S. Rehab on Sept. 24, to ask lawmakers to consider passing “Choices for Increased Mobility Act” or including it in end-of-year legislation.
“I was pleased we were...
CRT advocates wrap successful lobbying day
October 2, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rehab and NCART hosted about 70 meetings with various members of the House of Representative and the Senate on Sept. 24 to advocate for enhanced accessibility and support for individuals with disabilities. During the meetings, stakeholders urged members of Congress to support H.R. 5371 and the newly released S. 5154, which would allow consumers the choice to upgrade to a titanium or carbon fiber manual wheelchair, ensuring they have access to the best possible mobility solutions...
CRT advocates make case for H.R. 5371
September 19, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – Complex rehab stakeholders converged on Capitol Hill last week to boost support for legislation that would improve access to titanium or carbon fiber wheelchairs.
The group met with legislators and staff from 49 Congressional offices Sept. 9-10 to move H.R. 5371 forward and seek support for a Senate companion bill that is expected to be introduced soon.
“Our CRT leaders made a strong impression across The Hill that included reaching a high proportion of...
Representatives push standing systems
September 18, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – NCART reports that Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., and Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., leaders of the Disability Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, have introduced a “Dear Colleague” letter asking CMS to open the coverage determination for power standing systems. “Please contact your U.S. representative today and urge them to sign on to the Dingell/Fitzpatrick congressional sign-on letter urging CMS to promptly open the NCA and public comment period regarding...
Seat elevation: Stakeholders ask CMS to take another look
September 6, 2024Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON – NCART is using the Medicare Electronic Application Request Information System (MEARIS) as a tool to secure another meeting with CMS officials to discuss lower-than-expected reimbursement for power seat elevation systems.
The organization submitted an application through the system in July, shortly after CMS announced that it would increase the reimbursement for these systems but only by $13.62 to $2,013.96.
“We talked to our members, and they asked us, ‘Is...
In brief: NCART appeals, REMSleep clears, AOPA awards
July 19, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – NCART has submitted a HCPCS coding application to formally appeal CMS’s decision to only increase the fee schedule for seat elevation systems by about $13 to $2,013.96. “While we appreciate CMS’s willingness to listen to our concerns and review the follow-up information we provided, they indicated it could not be considered, since it was not part of the public meeting process last year,” said Wayne Grau, executive director of NCART. “In addition, we...
NCART appeals pricing decision for seat elevation systems
July 18, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – NCART has submitted a HCPCS coding application to formally appeal CMS’s decision to only increase the fee schedule for seat elevation systems by about $13 to $2,013.96. “While we appreciate CMS’s willingness to listen to our concerns and review the follow-up information we provided, they indicated it could not be considered, since it was not part of the public meeting process last year,” said Wayne Grau, executive director of NCART. “In addition, we...
CMS adjusts requirements for replacements
July 18, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – CMS will require prior authorization for all power mobility devices being replaced within the five-year useful lifetime effective June 2, NCART reports. Providers should submit prior authorizations as an expedited request and the agency will process them within two business days. For wheelchairs being replaced due to loss, theft or irreparable damage, the following should be included with the request: information and/or detailed reports that explain the reason leading to the need...
Capitol Hill or bust: NCART, U.S. Rehab emphasize ‘real issue’
July 12, 2024Tracy Orzel
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...
CMS to implement small increase for seat elevation systems
July 2, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – CMS has agreed to increase reimbursement for seat elevation systems for power wheelchairs by $13.62 to $2,013.96, according to NCART. The agency will implement the change and provide instructions on submitting previously submitted claims for adjustment as part of its July DMEPOS fee schedule update, the organization says. Reimbursement of $2,000 for the new code E2298 went into effect April 1, 2024. On an interim basis prior to April 1, providers were being paid about $2,800, on...