NCART and NRRTS proudly announce the 2022 Virtual CRT Congressional Fly-In will be held on September 14. This annual CRT-focused advocacy event keeps the CRT community connected with Capitol Hill and creates an opportunity to talk with Congress about ongoing issues that are impacting access. We will be holding the fly-in virtually and are excited that advocates will be able to deliver important messages to their Members without leaving their homes or offices.

Registration information and other details will be available soon. In the meantime, save the date in your calendar and plan to join us for a day of sharing the needs and benefits of access to CRT with your Representatives and Senators.

Recent legislation passed by Congress has extended current COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities permitted during the Public Health Emergency (PHE) for an additional 151 days after the end of the PHE. Earlier this month, HHS Secretary Becerra extended the PHE through July 15, which means that Physical and Occupational Therapists will be permitted to provide CRT telehealth services to their clients until at least later this year.

While this extension provides people with disabilities who use CRT additional time, it is still important that advocates reach out to their Members of Congress to request that PTs and OTs be permanently designated as authorized telehealth practitioners to ensure continued access to CRT when in-person visits are not an option. For more details and to email Congress, visit www.protectmymobility.org or click the button below.

Advocacy work continues to get CMS to move forward in their process of establishing Medicare coverage for Power Seat Elevation and Standing systems for power wheelchairs.

ITEM Coalition members and initiative stakeholders have reengaged our Congressional champions to seek additional outreach to CMS to ask that this coverage request be made a priority. As a result, Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Representative Jim Langevin (D-RI) have scheduled calls with CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure to discuss this issue. We thank them for their continued leadership and hope their encouragement will get CMS to move forward in their review process.

Thank you, Occupational Therapists! April is Occupational Therapy Month and we are celebrating all of the outstanding OTs who work with individuals who use CRT. Occupational Therapists (and Physical Therapists) are a critical part of the CRT team providing their expertise during the evaluation process and also helping individuals with disabilities maximize their independence in day-to-day activities. We are so thankful for all that you do!

California – An NCART workgroup meeting was held to discuss updates regarding the implementation of 2021 CRT legislation that excludes CRT providers from 10% Medi-Cal cuts and improves safeguards for CRT users; additional 2022 initiatives continue to be pursued.

Illinois – An NCART workgroup met with Medicaid leadership to discuss state CRT legislation and provided additional requested information; discussions are ongoing and NCART will be meeting with bill sponsors in May.

Michigan – State CRT Separate Recognition legislation passed in the Senate and is now scheduled for a House Committee hearing on 4/28; the Michigan Homecare and Hospice Association will be attending to testify in support of the bill and NCART is submitting written testimony.

New York – NCART is collaborating with NEMEP and AA Homecare in discussions with CRT providers to present recommendations to the state Medicaid program regarding backup wheelchair and wheelchair repair policies.

Utah – NCART has scheduled a May meeting with the Medicaid Department to discuss ongoing CRT policy and reimbursement concerns.

Another informative CRT Industry Webinar is being held next week on May 5 at 4:00 PM ET. Join NCART, NRRTS, U.S. Rehab, and the Clinician Task Force at no cost. Attendees will benefit from information relevant to CRT access and an opportunity to ask questions about policy and advocacy action impacting CRT. Click the button below to register today!

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.

The New York Metro Abilities Expo is back and happening this weekend in Edison, NJ! You can find NCART at Booth #227 sharing the latest news about advocacy for Complex Rehab Technology.

Come by the booth to catch up with NCART Associate Director, Mickae Lee, share your story, and learn about the work NCART is doing on behalf of the CRT community!