November 2023

Giving Thanks

It would be impossible to deliver the CRT message to policymakers and legislators without the devoted and unified voices of CRT providers, manufacturers, consumers, clinicians, and others from our CRT community.

We are especially grateful for the way in which this community has come together this year to protect access and push for positive changes that would improve the lives of individuals who utilize CRT. We want to recognize all of your tireless efforts and voice our sincere thanks to each and every one of you. We look forward to continuing to work alongside you in the advocacy that is ahead.

CMS Public Meeting - Seat Elevation Coding and Reimbursement

Earlier this month CMS announced preliminary recommendations for coding and pricing of power seat elevation systems. The preliminary decision can be read here.

To recap, the recommendation included a discontinuation of HCPCS code E2300 and, in its place, creating two new HCPCS codes reimbursed at a set fee schedule amount. Those code descriptions are:

• EXXXX, “Complex Rehabilitative Power Wheelchair Accessory, Power Seat Elevation System, Any Type”
• EXXXX, “Power Wheelchair Accessory, Power Seat Elevation System, Any Type”

CMS also announced details of a public meeting being held on November 30. This public meeting provides an opportunity for stakeholders to offer further comments related to modifications to the HCPCS code set. The NCART Coding Workgroup, which submitted coding applications in July, reconvened to prepare comments and recommendations on both coding and reimbursement for this technology and will present those during the meeting. Other industry stakeholders are also submitting written comments.

Additional information will be available in the weeks and months ahead. 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.

Thank you for staying updated and continuing to support efforts to secure appropriate coverage for individuals who utilize this CRT!

December 19 CRT Industry Webinar

Join NCART, NRRTS, U.S. Rehab, and the Clinician Task Force as they provide the last CRT Industry update of 2023 on December 19 at 3:00 PM ET. Join us to hear the latest policy, legislative, and advocacy work impacting the CRT community and learn what we’ve got planned for 2024.

Don’t miss these important updates! Register now for FREE by clicking the button below.

NCART Welcomes More New Members

We are excited to announce the addition of four new NCART members this month. Please join us in welcoming new manufacturer members Homecare Products Inc and Invacare and new supplier members Norco and Laurel Medical Solutions.

We’re grateful to all our members for their support and privileged to work alongside each of them to protect and enhance access to CRT in our community. 

NCART is the only national organization focused completely on 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. Your support will enable us to continue to advocate aggressively on your behalf as we work to maintain and establish policies needed to ensure people 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.

Protecting Access to CRT in the States

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:

Alaska – An NCART and PAMES provider workgroup met again with the Alaska Commissioner’s office in November to discuss reimbursement increases and needed CRT repair reform; additional meetings are being scheduled in January to pursue policy and reimbursement improvements in 2024.

Connecticut – NCART and other stakeholders are continuing discussions with CT legislators, the Medicaid Department, and consumer advocacy organizations to secure needed service and repair reform; this legislatively-appointed workgroup will continue to meet and will report further recommendations to the state in early 2024.

Massachusetts – NCART, HOMES, and others continue working with legislators and consumer advocacy organizations to advance legislation that addresses CRT repair reform needs in the State; NCART has testified at multiple committee hearings and has coordinated meetings with key legislators; work is ongoing and expected to continue in 2024.

Michigan – CRT state recognition legislation has been introduced and passed unanimously in the Senate (S449 and S450); the bills are now being considered by the House Health Policy Committee and discussions are ongoing; NCART is communicating with the Michigan Healthcare and Hospice Association on needed resources for those discussions.

United Spinal Association #SecureRide Coalition

The nation’s 5.5 million wheelchair users will enjoy safer, more accessible, and seamless independent travel in the future with a new wheelchair securement standard. The United Spinal Association is partnering with wheelchair and vehicle manufacturers and other interested stakeholders to launch the #SecureRide Coalition. The Coalition is developing a wheelchair securement standard that can be applied to personal vehicles, rideshares, public transit, as well as buses, rail and low-speed shuttles.

NCART is proud to support United Spinal in these efforts as a member of the coalition. Learn more by clicking the button below.

2023 International Day of People with Disabilities - December 3

The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 was proclaimed back in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.

IDPWD focuses on celebration, learning, optimism, and action to educate others and create opportunities for change. Australian ambassadors Hannah, Anja, Ann-Mason, Hugo, Grace, Michael, Gretta, Giancarlo, Scott, Charlie, and Lewis share their reasons for getting involved and encourage others to join them.

To learn more about the day and celebrate alongside thousands of other advocates worldwide, visit https://idpwd.org/.