H.R. 3730, legislation that would stop CMS from using competitive bidding-derived reimbursement for accessories used with manual CRT wheelchairs, is picking up momentum in the House of Representatives and industry advocates want to capitalize on that momentum.
The bill, introduced into the House in September by Reps. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) and John Larson (D-Conn.), picked up 27 cosponsors over the last month, bringing the total to 81 members of Congress supporting the nascent legislation.
Moreover, the support is bi-partisan with 39 Republicans and 42 Democrats backing the bill. Don Clayback, executive director of the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) called on CRT stakeholders to capitalize on that fact, and make an effort this week to push for additional support.
“Our message is simple: H.R. 3730 has broad bipartisan support and its passage will protect access for all people who use CRT wheelchairs, not just those who use CRT power wheelchairs,” he said. “Ask your Representative to tell their leadership that this is ‘must pass’ legislation, and to take action this month.
“There will be legislative opportunities for us this month, and H.R. 3730 could be included in some larger bills coming up for vote,” he added. “If we want to be included, Congress needs to hear from us now.”
Providers can start supporting the bill by going to the H.R. 3730 section at www.protectmymobility.org to obtain prepared emails and talking points that should help them quickly reach out to their Representatives, and urge them to sign onto the bill.