Each month "NCART News" delivers the latest Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Medicare and Medicaid updates, advocacy opportunities, and event information all in one place. | |
A Year in Review - Executive Director Wayne Grau | |
|
Dear Advocates,
It has officially been one year since I started as the Executive Director of NCART. It has been an honor to work with and for so many dedicated CRT manufacturers, suppliers, clinicians, academics, and consumers. When I agreed to accept this position, I wanted to become more proactive in our approach to fighting and protecting the CRT industry and the people we serve. We had a lot of work thrown at us very quickly with 15 state legislative bills and establishing Medicare coverage of seat elevation and power standing systems as our biggest issues. I observed that when we all work together it is amazing what we can collectively do for the CRT industry and the individuals who use the equipment we provide.
I want to thank all the CRT advocates for their tireless efforts. Looking ahead, we need to continue to work together because as a group, we have seen what happens when we collectively focus on an issue and bring the full force of all our combined knowledge and passion.
The NCART Board of Directors will be meeting in October to discuss 2024 and how we can bring more value to the CRT community. We're excited to continue working alongside each of you as we create a better tomorrow for this community.
Sincerely,
Wayne
| |
2023 Virtual CRT Congressional Fly-In - September 13 | |
|
NCART and NRRTS have been working hard on preparations for the 2023 CRT Virtual Congressional Fly-In on September 13. This annual event allows CRT suppliers, manufacturers, clinicians, consumers, and others to meet directly with their Members of Congress via Zoom video conferencing. This is the perfect opportunity to discuss actions that must be taken to protect access to CRT for people with disabilities.
Individuals can attend this event at NO COST and participate virtually from their home or office. Once you register, we will match you with a team of advocates from your state and schedule Congressional meetings for you.
Talking points and other information for your meetings will be provided during the mandatory Advanced Preparation Webinar on September 6. We'll also hold state practice sessions with your state team on September 11 so you can feel fully prepared and ready to make the most of your meetings.
Join other advocates to connect with the CRT community and your Members of Congress. Learn more and get registered at NO COST by clicking the button below.
| |
Thank You, Fly-In Sponsors! | |
The 2023 Virtual CRT Congressional Fly-In would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We are grateful for their financial assistance that allows CRT advocates to connect with Members of Congress to advance the actions needed to safeguard access to CRT. Thank you, sponsors! | |
Seat Elevation Coverage Update | |
|
Following its positive coverage determination for seat elevation systems on May 16 CMS must now determine the coding for these systems and establish appropriate reimbursement to ensure access. To prepare for this, an NCART workgroup has been working to prepare and submit coding applications, providing additional data to CMS, and keeping the CRT community updated with the latest information.
Both the coding and national fee schedule amounts will be addressed as part of an upcoming HCPCS public meeting later this fall. Final implementation of coverage is anticipated in early 2024. In the interim, the DME MACs will continue 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.
| |
Protecting Access to CRT in the States | | |
Coverage and funding at the state level play a key role in the availability and provision of CRT products and supporting services. NCART offers providers, manufacturers, associations, and policy makers strategic advice and direct advocacy on state issues to protect and improve access to CRT.
When a significant access issue is identified within a state, NCART's Payer Relations Committee and our state workgroups convene to review the problem, identify needed solutions, and implement the necessary advocacy plans. Below is a summary of some of our ongoing work:
| |
|
Alaska - An NCART provider workgroup met with PAMES in June to discuss escalating requests to other state leaders and legislators; a meeting with the Commissioner’s office was held and a follow-up meeting is scheduled in September.
California – (photo) NCART continues to pursue CRT repair and reimbursement reform needed in the state; NCART has provided testimony during several committee hearings and is working with legislative offices. Right to repair legislation passed out of the Senate and is being considered in the House; NCART and its members have had several legislative site visits throughout July and August; requests for the State's next fiscal year are being discussed.
Connecticut – NCART, HOMES, and other stakeholders are continuing deliberations with CT legislators and consumer advocacy organizations to identify needed service and repair reform; these discussions are ongoing and a legislatively-appointed workgroup including NCART and others will report further recommendations to the state in early 2024.
Utah- NCART presented FY 2025 budget requests to the Medical Care Advisory Committee in June; ongoing efforts will require legislative action in 2023/2024; discussions with key committee staff and the Department of Health are being coordinated. NCART also communicated with the Department to address needed action related to claim processing delays and has requested additional information from UT CRT providers.
| |
2023 CRT Awareness Week - Thank You! | |
|
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who participated in this year’s National CRT Awareness Week August 14-18. Over 120 organizations and hundreds of individuals shared stories, wrote articles, posted videos, held webinars, and created new resources for advocacy. It was wonderful to see everyone come together to share the CRT message.
The week accomplished exactly what we set out to do, which was to develop a better understanding of Complex Rehab Technology, the people who use it, how it’s prescribed and provided, and why access is so important.
Even though CRT Awareness Week has come to an end, advocacy work to protect CRT will continue throughout the rest of the year. Stay tuned for other ways to get involved and to be an active advocate for CRT!
| |
University Conducting CRT Industry Analysis | |
|
NCART is partnering with Strategic Marketing Services (SMS) at the University of Northern Iowa to conduct an updated, independent third-party analysis of the business and operating performance of CRT providers. This data will be used in advocacy discussions to illustrate current operating and reimbursement challenges of CRT providers that negatively impact access to CRT for individuals with disabilities. “By assessing the current situation and identifying areas of concern, the data collected will enable a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by industry stakeholders. Armed with this information, the industry can work collaboratively with policymakers and lawmakers to advocate for the necessary support and strategies needed to navigate through these turbulent times.”, said SMS Director Christy Ryken.
The survey is available online through September 8 and a final report will be shared with participants in early fall. For more details, please contact NCART Executive Director Wayne Grau at wgrau@ncart.us.
| |
September 28 CRT Industry Webinar | |
NCART Welcomes HCH Medical, LLC | |
|
We are excited to announce the addition of HCH Medical to the NCART supplier member roster this month. With over 30 years of experience in meeting healthcare needs, HCH proudly serves the CRT community in Tennessee. We’re grateful to advocate alongside them to protect access!
NCART is the only national organization focused completely on representing suppliers and manufacturers of Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) products. NCART is strictly focused on working with policymakers, legislators, and others to establish and maintain appropriate coverage and funding to protect and improve CRT access.
If your company provides or manufactures CRT, help us fight the negative trends in coverage and payment that continue to mount. Your membership is crucial! Your support will enable us to continue to advocate aggressively on your behalf as we work to maintain and establish policies needed to ensure people with significant disabilities and chronic medical conditions can access the specialized equipment and services they require and you provide.
You can easily and securely submit your application online by clicking the button below. For additional information or questions, please contact Wayne Grau, Executive Director, at wgrau@ncart.us or 570-902-9878.
| |
|
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:
| |
NCART | info@ncart.us |585-784-0208 | www.ncart.us | | | | |
