June 2023

Happy Independence Day

July 4th is a time each year for our nation to celebrate our freedoms and the privilege it is to be an American. We are truly grateful to be joining family and friends once again to observe this important day in our history. However you are celebrating, we hope that everyone has a very safe and happy Independence Day!

Power Seat Elevation Systems

Coding Application

As we shared last month, CMS announced its positive coverage determination for seat elevation systems on May 16. This new coverage applies to both traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans for Group 2, 3, and 5 power wheelchairs. To review the announcement and learn more about the details of coverage, visit www.protectmymobility.org.

Now, both CMS and CRT stakeholders are moving forward in the process to determine what coding will be used to bill these systems and how they will be reimbursed. To prepare for this, NCART established a workgroup that has been working diligently for over a year to prepare coding applications that will be submitted to CMS by the July 3 deadline. NCART also met with CMS in June and, at the agency’s request, will be providing CMS with pricing information to support appropriate reimbursement for these systems.

Both the coding and national fee schedule amounts will be addressed as part of an upcoming HCPCS public meeting, likely later this fall and final implementation would be early in 2024. In the interim, the DME MACs have the discretion to determine reasonable and necessary coverage as they work to develop local coverage determinations that are in line with the national coverage determination.

NCART will be providing additional guidance and updates as the information becomes available.

2023 CRT Awareness Week

We wish that every legislator, policymaker, payer, and community member fully understood the complexities of CRT and the benefits it provides to people with disabilities. While we aren't there just yet, we've made good progress. But more is needed and that’s what CRT Awareness Week is all about!

National CRT Awareness Week is being held August 14-18 and we need all advocates to get involved to help keep the momentum moving forward on CRT advocacy.  Everyone can do something to help spread the message about what CRT is all about and why access is so important! To learn more, click the button below. 

CRT Service and Repair Reform

We believe multifaceted reform is necessary to support reliable, professional repair services for Complex Rehab Technology.

NCART continues to lead efforts alongside state associations, consumer advocacy organizations, legislators, agencies, and others to advocate for changes that improve access. Below is a summary of some of our ongoing work:

CA - Multiple legislative meetings have been held to discuss Right to Repair legislation and to propose CRT repair reform needed in the state; NCART and our state lobbyists have provided testimony during several committee hearings and is working consistently with legislative offices to continue amending current bill language.

CO - NCART, CAMES, and other stakeholders submitted comments in response to CRT service and repair metrics proposed by the State; the State made revisions based on initial feedback and additional stakeholder discussions took place on 6/13 and NCART/CAMES met with the Department 6/21 to discuss additional feedback; next stakeholder meeting is 7/13 and implementation of reporting provider metrics begins in 2024.

CT - NCART, HOMES, and other stakeholders have recommended CRT repair reform solutions in response to proposed legislation that could negatively impact providers and manufacturers operating in the State; a stakeholder workgroup has been formed to pursue solutions outside of legislation; discussions are ongoing.

MA - Wheelchair Warranty Protection legislation was reintroduced in the House and Senate; CRT repair reform language has also been introduced in the House; NCART, HOMES, and others are working with state lobbyists to advance legislation that addresses the needs of all stakeholders; NCART has testified at multiple hearings and has held in-person meetings with key legislators; additional hearings are anticipated this fall and discussions are ongoing.

For information on the current repair reform work going on, click the button below.

Protecting Access to CRT in the States

AK – An NCART and PAMES provider workgroup recently escalated CRT provider requests and met with the Commissioner’s office on 6/22 to review mounting concerns threatening access to care for individuals with disabilities; additional information is being gathered and follow-up meetings will be scheduled in July.

FL – Congratulations to FAHCS and AA Homecare on a recent victory that secured a 7.5% increase and additional one-time American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for providers operating in the state.

IL - A CRT stakeholder workgroup began discussions with legislators in the state to draft legislative language for needed service and repair reform; discussions will be ongoing and a bill will be pursued in 2024.

NY - NCART has met with bill authors about CRT Separate Recognition legislation introduced this session; bills have been referred to House and Senate Committees; an NCART provider workgroup held preliminary meetings and additional discussions with legislators will be scheduled in July.

UT - An NCART provider workgroup continues seeking solutions to CRT provider concerns including reimbursement relief; ongoing efforts will require legislative action in 2023/2024; CRT asks were presented to the Medical Care Advisory Committee in May; discussions with key committee staff and the Department of Health have been requested.

Seeking Provider Reimbursement Relief

Despite the essential nature of CRT, providers and manufacturers have continued to face mounting challenges and increased expenses. Recent inflationary pressures have only exacerbated the financial strain on Complex Rehab suppliers. To ensure access to vital products and services for individuals with disabilities, states must adjust reimbursement amounts for CRT in line with the market realities facing suppliers.

NCART has contacted state agencies to initiate discussions regarding reimbursement rates for Complex Rehab Technology (CRT). Earlier this year, CMS implemented Medicare adjustments for CRT which went into effect in January 2023. NCART is urging states to follow the lead of CMS and asking them to make similar reimbursement adjustments to ensure continued access to vital equipment.

For more information on these efforts, click the button below. 

2023 Virtual CRT Congressional Fly-In

It’s almost time to sign up for the September 13 CRT Virtual Congressional Fly-In. This annual event is jointly hosted by NCART and NRRTS to allow Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) providers, manufacturers, clinicians, consumers, and others to meet directly with their Members of Congress.

Once again, we will be holding the fly-in virtually and are excited that everyone will be able to deliver important CRT access messages to their Members without leaving their homes or offices.

Registration opens soon. Be on the lookout for additional details! 

June 29 CRT Industry Webinar Recording

NCART, NRRTS, U.S. Rehab, and the Clinician Task Force hosted another Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Industry update on June 29. Panelists presented key CRT industry and advocacy news including:

• CRT Legislative and Advocacy News
• NRRTS Updates and Educational Opportunities
• Clinician Task Force Developments  
• Seat Elevation Reimbursement Guidance from US Rehab
• Presentations from Guest Speakers Andrea Van Hook (RESNA) and Angel Heintz (Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation)

You can view the recording of this presentation below and download a copy of the handout here. Recordings from all CRT Industry webinars can be found here.

The next 2023 CRT Industry Webinar is scheduled for September 28 at 4:00 PM ET. Save the date and stay tuned for registration details!

United Spinal Association Roll on Capitol Hill

NCART was honored to participate in the United Spinal Association’s 11^th Roll on Capitol Hill held in Washington, D.C. June 18-21. Wheelchair users and other advocates met with 150 Congressional offices to ask for support on three key issues:

• Support of the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act (H.R. 1267/S. 545) and Safer Air Travel for Wheelchair Users
• Support of the Disability Access to Transportation Act (H.R. 3845/S. 1813) and Improved Access to Travel
• Supporting Elimination of the “In the Home” Rule

To learn more about this advocacy event and the requests for Congressional support, click the button below.

TrackMaster Mobility and Senior Mobility Aids Join NCART

We are proud to welcome both TrackMaster Mobility and Senior Mobility Aids, Inc. to the NCART member roster.

For years, TrackMaster Mobility has made it their mission to better understand the product needs of individuals who use CRT and to custom-build solutions that support every lifestyle.

Located in Carlsbad, CA, the Senior Mobility Aids team has worked diligently to provide quality CRT products and services to their community. They have also been deeply active in state advocacy efforts to enhance and protect access to CRT.

We couldn’t be prouder to be working alongside each and every one of our member companies to protect access to CRT and want to continue to expand our advocacy reach. If your company provides or manufactures CRT and is not yet an NCART member, help us fight negative trends in coverage and payment by joining today.

Your membership is crucial! This support enables us to continue to advocate aggressively to maintain and establish the policies needed to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the specialized equipment and services they require and you provide. Learn more about NCART membership by clicking the button below.

2023 RESNA Conference - Flash Sale!

This July 24-26 RESNA is bringing the most innovative leaders in AT together for the RESNA 2023 Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA and making it as easy as possible for you to be a part of the event by offering limited time savings on registration.

Secure your spot today by clicking the button below and using the code RESNAFLASH23 to save $200 on your registration. Don't delay, this code is only active until this Sunday, July 2, at 11:59 PM ET! 

NCART welcomes opportunities to support events that promote CRT education and advocacy. Here are some of the events that we're proud to help publicize:

• RESNA Annual Conference - July 24-26
• Abilities Expo Houston - August 4-6
• CRT Awareness Week - August 14-18
• Abilities Expo Phoenix - September 8-10
• NCART/NRRTS Virtual CRT Congressional Fly-In - September 13

"With Liberty and Justice for All"

Earlier this year, Troy Kotsur brought our National Anthem to life as he performed in sign language alongside country music artist Chris Stapleton. Kotsur is the second deaf actor to win an Academy Award for his role in the film “CODA” and is a strong advocate for the disability community. Happy Independence Day!

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