Each month "NCART News" delivers the latest Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Medicare and Medicaid updates, advocacy opportunities, and event information all in one place. |
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Power Seat Elevation Systems - Positive Development |
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As we announced last week, CMS has officially shared its proposed coverage determination for power seat elevation systems (read the full decision memo here). Getting to this point in the process has required consistent and collaborative efforts from the CRT community and we are thankful to each and every advocate who has taken action along the way.
To summarize, the agency determined that power seat elevation systems qualify for the DMEPOS benefit and are reasonable and necessary for individuals using Group 3 power wheelchairs when all of the following conditions are met:
1.) The individual performs weight-bearing transfers to/from the power wheelchair while in the home, using either their upper extremities during a non-level (uneven) sitting transfer and/or their lower extremities during a sit-to-stand transfer. Transfers may be accomplished with or without caregiver assistance and/or the use of assistive equipment (e.g. sliding board, cane, crutch, walker); and,
2.) The individual has undergone a specialty evaluation by a practitioner who has specific training and experience in rehabilitation wheelchair evaluations, such as a physical therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT), that assesses the individual’s ability to safely use the seat elevation equipment in the home.
Our work is not done yet and we still need your help. CMS will now be accepting public comments regarding the proposed coverage until March 17, 2023.
WE NEED YOU TO TAKE ACTION!
1.) Please review the proposed decision memo from CMS and submit comments of support. The dedicated website at www.rise4access.org offers suggested talking points to help advocates craft their message and provides instructions on how to submit your comments.
2.) It is crucial that CMS receives as many supportive stakeholder comments as possible Please share this opportunity with other advocates who want to see this coverage become a reality!
We continue to work with the ITEM Coalition to collect additional data and engage with our Congressional champions on both power seat elevation and power standing systems. We will share updates as they become available. Thank you all in advance for remaining dedicated in your efforts to secure coverage of this critical technology!
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It Takes a Village - Webinar TONIGHT (2/23) at 7:00 PM ET |
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Join us TONIGHT at 7:00 PM ET for an all-star panel featured in the NRRTS-hosted webinar, “It Takes A Village”. Weesie Walker, ATP/SMS, Executive Director of NRRTS; Andrea Van Hook, Executive Director of RESNA; Wayne Grau, Executive Director of NCART; and Cara Masselink, Executive Director of CTF are chatting about how collaborations between industry organizations are a key element to advocacy success. Register now by clicking the button below. |
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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 policy makers 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 our state workgroups convene to review the problem, identify needed solutions, and implement the necessary advocacy plans. Below is a summary of some of our ongoing work:
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California - An NCART stakeholder workgroup continues to meet monthly; the rescission of 10% cuts to CRT providers is expected to be effective in April 2023, retroactive to January 2022; legislative meetings are also being scheduled to discuss repair legislation recently introduced.
Connecticut – NCART and other stakeholders provided testimony at a General Law Committee hearing on 2/7 regarding repair legislation impacting CRT; additional committee hearings are anticipated and other discussions with legislators are ongoing.
Hawaii – NCART conducted outreach regarding proposed budget increases to the Medicaid program for fiscal years 2024 and 2025; feedback from the Med-QUEST program has been requested.
Oklahoma - NCART communicated with the Department to confirm pricing methodology changes for CRT power wheelchair purchase options and relayed that information to provider members; discussions will continue as needed.
Utah - An NCART provider workgroup coordinated legislative outreach to discuss budget appropriations that would improve CRT reimbursement in the state; discussions are ongoing and meetings with the Department will resume.
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NCART State Legislative Efforts |
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State legislatures continue to introduce bills that will impact the Complex Rehab community. Various forms of repair legislation have been introduced in eight states to date: CA, CT, IL, MA, MT, TN, RI, and SC. NCART is collaborating with providers, manufacturers, AA Homecare, state associations, clinicians, and consumer groups to provide needed education and guidance to legislators and other stakeholder groups. Our focus is on removing existing barriers to CRT service and repair to create a safe, reliable, and affordable process for individuals to act on when their equipment is in need of repair. To learn more about these efforts, click the button below to email NCART Executive Director, Wayne Grau. |
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NCART Presents at ACMESA Winter Meeting |
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This month, NCART Executive Director Wayne Grau joined the Atlantic Coast Medical Services Association (ACMESA) for their 2023 Winter Meeting in Greensboro, NC to present updated CRT advocacy news. Grau shared ongoing efforts to secure Medicare coverage of power seat elevation and standing systems, the details of CRT service and repair reform, and other work being done to protect access to CRT for individuals with disabilities. Thanks to ACMESA for the opportunity! |
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NCART Welcomes Additional Members |
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We are proud to welcome ACU-Serve and Mobility First as NCART Supplier members. ACU-Serve is an end-to-end revenue cycle management company offering solutions from intake through cash posting. For 30 years, they have been a strategic business partner for providers across the United States. Mobility First has been building relationships and providing medical equipment solutions in the Kansas City, Missouri area since 1997.
We couldn’t be prouder to be working alongside each and every one of our member companies to protect access to CRT and want to continue to expand our advocacy reach.
The financial support of dedicated CRT providers and manufacturers is the foundation that enables NCART to carry out our important advocacy work. If your company provides or manufactures CRT and you aren’t yet an NCART member, please consider joining other dedicated CRT companies to help fight the negative trends in coverage and payment. Learn more by clicking the button below.
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International Seating Symposium 2023 |
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The International Seating Symposium (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.
The ISS is being held as an in-person event April 13-15, 2023 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. NCART will be there in booth #229. Click below to visit the ISS website and get registered today!
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2023 CRT Industry Webinars Begin March 30 |
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These no-cost presentations hosted by NCART, NRRTS, U.S. Rehab, and the Clinician Task Force are back and better than ever in 2023. Join us on March 30 at 4:00 PM ET to hear the latest in CRT industry advocacy and news. Register today by clicking the button below. |
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Rare Disease Day is February 28 |
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Did you know that each year #RareDiseaseDay is recognized on the last day of February? It highlights over 6,000 conditions that are considered rare around the world.
Roughly 5% of the worldwide population is currently living with a rare disease and many use Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) to support their function and independence. Learn more at https://www.rarediseaseday.org/
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Celebrating Valentine's Day |
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The International Paralympic Committee's vision is to make for an inclusive world through Para sport. Our mission is to lead the Paralympic Movement, oversee the delivery of the Paralympic Games and support members to enable Para athletes to achieve sporting excellence.
To celebrate Valentine’s Day earlier this month, wheelchair basketball athletes Laurie Williams and Robyn Love and Para cycling athletes Sarah and Barney Storey had a lot of fun answering questions for a Valentine's Quiz. Watch the video to learn more about their experiences together.
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NCART | info@ncart.us |585-784-0208 | www.ncart.us |
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