NCART was grateful to participate in the 38^th annual International Seating Symposium earlier this month. Hundreds of CRT industry professionals gathered to learn, share new products and innovations, and catch up with each other.

ISS is the world's leading educational conference and exhibition on the topic of Wheelchair Seating, Mobility, and Associated Assistive Technologies. Attendees include clinicians, consumers, advocates, researchers, providers, manufacturers, and policymakers from over 30 nations.

It was great to see everyone and provide updates about our ongoing advocacy work to enhance and protect access to CRT. For more information about ISS and the many great sessions that were offered, click the button below!

California – An NCART stakeholder workgroup continues to meet monthly to address issues impacting access to CRT through the Medi-Cal program. The rescission of 10% cuts to CRT providers is expected to be effective in May 2023, retroactive to January 2022. Multiple legislative meetings have been held in April to discuss CRT repair legislation; NCART is working with Senate offices to amend the current bill language.

Connecticut – NCART, AA Homecare, HOMES, and other stakeholders conducted outreach to key legislators regarding CRT repair reform solutions; NCART and others provided testimony during several March and April committee hearings and the proposed legislation did not move out of committee this session; a working group of CRT stakeholders, consumer advocacy groups, and legislators has been established to pursue solutions outside of legislation; the first meeting was held 4/25.

Massachusetts – Wheelchair Warranty Protection legislation has been reintroduced in the House and Senate; CRT repair reform language has also been introduced in the House; NCART, AA Homecare, HOMES, and others are working with state legislators and others to advance solutions that address the concerns of all stakeholders.

New York – NCART is communicating with bill authors about CRT Separate Recognition legislation introduced this session; the bills have been referred to House and Senate Committees and meetings with legislators are scheduled in May.

Utah – An NCART provider workgroup held discussions with the Department in late 2022 to continue seeking solutions to CRT provider concerns including reimbursement relief; ongoing efforts will require legislative action in 2023/2024; discussions with key committee staff and the Department of Health have been requested.

Washington – NCART and other industry stakeholders including AA Homecare and VGM supported the Pacific Association of Medical Equipment Services (PAMES) in advocating for passage of legislation that would exempt Complex Rehab Technology from state sales tax; the bill has passed both chambers and was sent to the Governor for signing. 

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.

Move United is a Maryland-based non-profit with a mission of connecting individuals with adaptive sports programs in their communities. With 200 organizations in 43 states, adaptive athletes can choose from 70 different programs! Watch the video below to learn more or visit https://www.moveunitedsport.org.