Need to Pass H.R. 3730 for People with Disabilities
People with high level disabilities are being harmed by decreased access to the individually-configured Complex Manual Wheelchair systems they depend on. As a constituent, I am asking for your help to pass H.R. 3730 this year and ensure Medicare beneficiaries with significant disabilities can have access to this specialized equipment they require. Recent surveys of clinicians and CRT suppliers across the country show a significant reduction in available critical components (a/k/a accessories) for Complex Rehab Manual wheelchairs used by Medicare beneficiaries. This lack of access can increase medical complications, skin pressure wounds, and hospital stays for individuals with diagnoses such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. The reduced access is a result of CMS inappropriately using DME Competitive Bid rates to set payment amounts for critical components used with Complex Rehab Manual Wheelchair systems. Impacted stakeholders have been working with Congress to stop CMS from doing this. While CMS corrected the policy for complex power wheelchairs last year, it will not make a change for Medicare beneficiaries who use Complex Manual Wheelchairs without legislation. That is why H.R. 3730 is needed. The legislation already has broad bipartisan support from over 115 cosponsors. Additionally, over 50 national disability and clinician organizations have also written to Congress asking for passage this year. All individuals with disabilities should have equal access to the Complex Rehab Wheelchair systems they require to protect their health and maximize their independence. I am asking that the Representative contact the Chairman or Ranking Member of both the Ways & Means and Energy & Commerce Committees to ask that H.R. 3730 be passed before year-end. Thank you for acting to support reduced healthcare costs and maximized independence for individuals with disabilities.
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