December 2023

Holiday Message

Heartfelt thanks to each NCART member and all Complex Rehab Technology advocates for your support and dedication to enhancing and protecting access to CRT throughout this year.

The NCART staff and Board of Directors wish you and your loved ones a joyful Holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Update on Medicare Coverage of Power Seat Elevation Systems

As shared last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its preliminary coding and fee schedule determination for Medicare coverage of power seat elevation systems in early November. Following that announcement, CMS then held a public meeting on November 30 to gather additional stakeholder feedback.

As part of the public meeting, NCART coordinated CRT industry experts to present information regarding concerns and recommendations in response to CMS’ initial decisions, which included discontinuation of existing HCPCS Level II code E2300, “Wheelchair Accessory, Power Seat Elevation System, Any Type” and establishing two new HCPCS Level II codes reimbursed at a set fee schedule amount:

• EXXXX, “Complex Rehabilitative Power Wheelchair Accessory, Power Seat Elevation System, Any Type”
• EXXXX, “Power Wheelchair Accessory, Power Seat Elevation System, Any Type”
• CMS also recommended the discontinuation of Group 2 Power Wheelchair HCPCS codes K0830 and K0831.

NCART’s response focused on the following:

• Power seat elevation technology should be coded as a stand-alone system (similar to power tilt systems), not an accessory.
• A HCPCS code needs to be created for CRT Heavy Duty power seat elevation systems.
• Using a gap-filling method to establish an allowable for this technology is not appropriate.
• Discontinuation of HCPCS codes K0830 and K0831 should be delayed to allow time for gathering additional data and avoiding any unintended consequences.

More information supporting industry recommendations was provided to CMS directly following the November 30 meeting. CMS’ final coding, benefit category, and payment decisions are expected to be published on CMS’ HCPCS website in February 2024 and effective April 1, 2024. We will continue to send updates as they become available. 

Medicare Coverage of Power Standing Systems

The industry is still pursuing Medicare coverage of power standing systems and continues to urge CMS to formally reopen the National Coverage Determination (NCD) and initial 30-day comment period for that technology.

The ITEM Coalition held a conference call with CMS to discuss Power Standing on September 26th. Additionally, the ITEM Coalition, Clinician Task Force, and NCART continue to gather clinical and demographic data to present to CMS to support coverage of this medically needed equipment. 

Once the NCD is released we will need to gather and encourage advocates to provide information and comments to CMS just as we did for power seat elevation systems. Stay tuned for additional updates in 2024!

Medicare 2024 CPI-U Adjustments Published

Earlier this month CMS released the 2024 Medicare adjustments to the “Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U)”, which is an inflation factor that is determined annually and applied to DMEPOS effective January 1. The 2024 adjustments are listed below:

• Competitive Bidding Program items in former Competitive Bid Areas: +2.9%
• Competitive Bidding Program items in non-Competitive Bid Areas: +3.0%
• Non-Competitive Bidding Program items (this includes CRT): +2.6%

CRT providers can expect to see these changes reflected directly in the fee schedule at the beginning of the year. For non-CRT items, portions of the adjustments will be made in the fee schedule and final reimbursement will be based on a combination of those rates and others from previous years. The full update from CMS can be reviewed here: r12398cp.pdf (cms.gov). 

NCART Fought for Access to CRT in Over 20 States This Year

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 policymakers 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 state workgroups convene to review the problem, identify needed solutions, and implement the necessary advocacy plans.

This year, NCART’s Payer Relations and CRT Repair Reform Committees advocated in over 20 states on matters directly impacting access. These efforts will continue into the New Year and we look forward to providing regular updates on our work. To learn more about the Committees and individuals involved, please contact Executive Director Wayne Grau at wgrau@ncart.us. 

Workgroup Tackles Medicare Advantage Denials

Improper Medicare Advantage denials of power wheelchairs continue to negatively impact access to CRT. To address this issue, the Clinician Task Force, NCART, and others have teamed up to begin collecting data that can be analyzed to better understand current trends and also be utilized in advocacy discussions.

The denials workgroup has created an online form to collect needed information about these denials and is encouraging CRT suppliers to submit their data. The form is quick and easy, and all information is kept strictly confidential. To submit information or learn more about the workgroup and its efforts, please click the button below.

December CRT Industry Webinar Recording

NCART, NRRTS, U.S. Rehab, and the Clinician Task Force hosted the final CRT Industry Webinar of 2023 on December 19. The handout for this presentation can be downloaded here and the recording can be accessed by clicking the video below.

Topics covered included:

• 2023 Congressional Recap and 2024 Outlook
•  CRT State and Federal Advocacy Work Updates
• New NRRTS Education and Resources
• Clinician Task Force Initiatives
• and More!

It’s been an incredibly active year for CRT advocacy and that will certainly continue in the New Year. We thank each of you for your ongoing participation and will keep providing these webinars to keep you all updated on how you can support access to CRT. The 2024 webinar dates will be announced soon!

NCART Membership

NCART is the only national organization dedicating every effort and resource entirely to 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.

In 2023, we were honored to add 15 new members and expand our reach for this incredibly important work. If your company provides or manufactures CRT, help us fight the negative trends in coverage and payment that continue to mount by becoming an NCART member. Your support will enable us to continue to advocate aggressively as we work to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to the specialized equipment and services 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.

Mickae Lee Departs NCART

NCART has announced the departure of Associate Director Mickae Lee effective January 1, 2024. Lee has contributed to the organization since 2009 and began as a full-time employee in 2013. She assumed the role of Associate Director in 2021. Following the end of her time with NCART, Lee will remain in the industry working in a government relations capacity. 

During her tenure at NCART, Lee played a vital role in the advancement of several key industry initiatives. She has also coordinated the organization’s annual Congressional Fly-In and National CRT Awareness Week. She will be missed and NCART president Greg Packer said, “we wish Mickae well in her new role and look forward to working closely with her as she transitions”.

“It has been a privilege to be part of the NCART team and I am beyond grateful for the opportunities and experiences I’ve been afforded during my time here. It is a true honor to be surrounded by such an incredible group of fellow advocates and I will remain a fierce supporter of this work”, said Lee

"Mickae has dedicated her career to advocating for complex rehab issues and we are very happy that she will remain in the industry and play a pivotal role in developing our focused strategy on payment and reimbursement issues for suppliers and manufacturers,” said Wayne Grau, Executive Director of NCART.