November 2022
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 Message of Thanks
It would be impossible to deliver the CRT message to policymakers and legislators without the devoted and unified voices of CRT providers, manufacturers, consumers, clinicians, and others from our CRT community.

We are especially grateful for the way in which this community has come together this year to push for positive changes that would improve the lives of individuals who utilize CRT to maximize their independence. We want to recognize all of your constant efforts and voice our sincere thanks for each and every one of you. We look forward to continuing to work alongside you in the advocacy work that lies ahead. 
Medicare Coverage of Power Seat Elevation and Standing Systems
We all know that protecting and enhancing access to CRT isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. As much as we wish we could see changes take place overnight it is the consistent, calculated actions of our community that make positive changes a reality. Working to establish Medicare coverage of Power Seat Elevation and Power Standing Systems is no exception and we continue to work closely with the ITEM Coalition and others to see this important technology covered.

The ITEM Coalition-led workgroup meets regularly to gather additional information and prepare data that will be necessary for guiding the development of coding and payment. We continue to urge CMS to keep the process moving forward for Power Standing Systems. We are also keeping our Congressional champions updated and asking for their support when needed.

CMS will issue a decision memo for Power Seat Elevation systems in February 2023. Following that, a second 30-day public comment period will then be opened for stakeholders to respond to the memo. Once those comments are reviewed, CMS will issue a final coverage determination in May of 2023. As always, we will continue to provide updates as they become available. For more information on these efforts, visit www.protectmymobility.org.
State CRT Work
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 has made requests that include changes to reimbursement for manually priced items as well as administrative simplification related to service/repair documentation. NCART has provided supporting information to the Department and the most recent meeting was held on 11/30; Department feedback is anticipated in early December.

California – An NCART stakeholder workgroup continues meeting monthly to actively pursue improving access to CRT through the Medi-Cal program and to identify opportunities for CRT within the Cal-AIM program. Meetings with both the Department and state legislators were held in November to discuss the upcoming session and opportunities for CRT legislation.

Massachusetts – Wheelchair Warranty Protection bill (S. 3136) was unexpectedly passed out of committee and engrossed in the Senate on 11/3 during their informal session. NCART reconvened the industry stakeholder workgroup to update needed resources and conduct outreach to House leadership; NCART and others will be meeting with legislators throughout the remainder of the session, which ends on January 3.

Michigan – CRT state recognition legislation was reintroduced in November (SB 1209 and SB 1210); NCART is communicating with the Michigan Healthcare and Hospice Association on needed next steps.

Nevada – An NCART provider group summarized current challenges impacting access to care and has made initial requests to the Department; additional information has been submitted to the Department and NCART met with Department leadership on 11/14. Proposed solutions were discussed and a follow-up meeting is scheduled in early December. 
Clinician Task Force Input Leads to Medicare Revisions
In 2021, a group of Clinician Task Force (CTF) members reviewed all of the CMS Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) and Policy Articles for Manual Wheelchairs, Power Mobility Devices, Wheelchair Seating, and Options and Accessories. They came up with several concerns and recommendations, which were forwarded to the DME MAC Medical Directors.

In January 2022, a meeting with the DME MAC Medical Directors resulted in the agreement that if any of the suggested ICD-10-CM codes for wheelchair seat and back cushions met the narrative requirements in the Seating Policy LCD, then these codes would be added to the applicable ICD-10-CM code list. Many diagnostic codes were reviewed and deemed acceptable.

The updated Policy Article for wheelchair seating went into effect on October 1, 2022. These additional ICD-10 codes will assist in allowing Medicare beneficiaries with these diagnoses to obtain the seating products that they require. The codes that CTF requested and were approved are listed in the full press release that can be read here.

For more information about the Clinician Task Force, click the button below.
December 8 CRT Industry Webinar
Join NCART, NRRTS, U.S. Rehab, and the Clinician Task Force as they provide the FINAL no-cost CRT Industry Webinar of 2022 on December 8 at 4:00 PM ET. Join us to hear the latest policy, legislative, and advocacy work impacting the CRT community and learn what we’ve got planned for 2023.

Don’t miss these important updates! Register now by clicking the button below.
NCART Membership
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.
Upcoming CRT-Related Events
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:
Monthly Motivation
Thankful for Complex Rehab Technology
Tune in to hear what Janey has to say about her CRT and how it helps her navigate life and show up fully for it all. She is a small business owner and studying in the area of mental health counseling to help serve those around her!
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