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Power Seat Elevation is Covered in 2 More States!

North Dakota Medicaid has approved NCART’s request to consider power seat elevation (E2298) as a covered benefit and has implemented coverage retroactively back to 2/1/2025. The coverage criteria will be the same as those outlined in the National Coverage Determination, and reimbursement will be set at $2.062.20.

Idaho Medicaid has approved NCART’s request to extend coverage for a power seat elevation system (E2298) to beneficiaries over the age of 21, effective immediately with the following criteria:

A power seat elevation system may be prior authorized to promote independence in a participant who meets all of the following criteria:

1. Must meet power wheelchair coverage criteria; and
2. Unable to independently stand or pivot transfer; and
3. Limited reach and range of motion that prohibits the ability to perform MRADL’s independently; and
4. Requires assistance only with transfers across unequal seat heights; and
5. Cannot safely transfer using a lift or standing transfer but can safely transfer independently with the seat elevation feature.

Payment will be manually priced at 75% of MSRP. If the pricing documentation is the invoice, reimbursement will be at cost plus 10%, plus shipping if that documentation is provided.

NCART is Working on Appropriate Coverage for Medical Safety Beds

NCART submitted extensive comments to the Ohio Department of Medicaid regarding adoption of a new administrative code rule (5160-10-37) for enclosed beds in advance of its implementation. Specifically, we are asking for a revision of the definition of an enclosed bed, a revision of the definition of items the department does not consider to be an enclosed bed, and specific criteria as a condition of payment.

NCART also submitted a formal request to the Arkansas Department of Human Services to consider the development of a formal policy for the provision of medical safety beds, in response to their Official Notice (ON-046-24) indicating that enclosed beds are confinement equipment that must be prior authorized on a case-by-case basis. Without a formal written policy, we are very concerned that access will be denied for beneficiaries with a medical need for a specialty bed. The Department has acknowledged our request, and their clinical team will review it.

Introduction of House Bill 1703- Titanium Composite Consumer Choice Bill

House members Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) and Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) introduced H.R. 1703. The bill would improve Medicare beneficiaries' access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs by creating two new HCPCS codes for Complex Rehab Technology (CRT). The codes would allow consumers to upgrade within a code. This bill is identical to Senate bill 247 (S. 247) introduced earlier this year.

NCART In Action

·     NCART participated in the iNRRTS board call

·     NCART- Wayne Grau and Julie Piriano- attended Medtrade to meet with NCART members and manufacturers

·     NCART attended the Stand Up for Homecare event at Medtrade

·     Wayne Grau testified via Zoom at the Washington House Consumer Protection & Business Meeting on repair issues

·     Wayne Grau testified at Rhode Island right to repair hearing in Providence, RI.

·     Julie Piriano participated in the Mobility Management Innovation Summit Webinar to discuss the impact of innovation on the people, products, and process involved with CRT. The webinar is free and available on-demand by registering at MM

·     NCART met with University of Pittsburgh staff to discuss ways to partner together to advance CRT

·     NCART participated in the Secure Ride coalition meeting with United Spinal and General Motors

·     NCART participated in a meeting with CT. Legislators to discuss the progress that has been made on the repair process

·     NCART met with various stakeholders to discuss the Florida right-to-repair bill

NCART Upcoming Webinar - RESCHEDULED

NCART apologizes for the inconvenience but must reschedule the webinar from March 6 to March 27, 2025, at 11 AM Eastern time. Wayne Grau, NCART Executive Director, will be testifying at the Connecticut Repair bill hearing on the 6th.

 NCART will co-host a webinar with US Rehab for the CRT industry titled "Future-Proofing Complex Rehab Technology: Strategies for Growth and Protection in 2025." The webinar will be held on March 27, 2025, at 11 AM Eastern. The webinar is open to all CRT industry stakeholders.

NCART has a very aggressive strategic plan to help our members and the CRT industry grow and prosper in 2025. We are finalizing the details but will send out the invitation shortly. 2025 will be a pivotal year for CRT, and NCART wants to share how we will create a positive business environment for our members.

Advocacy Quotes

“Recognizing and respecting differences in others and treating everyone like you want them to treat you, will help make our world a better place for everyone.” – Kim Peek

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.

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.

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