October 2023

CMS Announces Public Meeting for Seat Elevation Coding Decision

As we've shared, CMS has been in the process of determining coding for power seat elevation systems used with complex power wheelchairs. They are also working to establish appropriate reimbursement to ensure access.

A coding decision is expected to be announced by CMS shortly and a public meeting is scheduled for November 28-30. Reimbursement rates will be announced following the coding determination and are anticipated in December. Final implementation of coverage will be in early 2024. In the interim, the DME MACs will continue to determine reasonable and necessary coverage as they work to develop local coverage determinations that are in line with the national coverage determination.

CRT advocates also continue to pursue establishing Medicare coverage for power standing systems used with complex power wheelchairs. During a September meeting with CMS leadership, ITEM Coalition and others continued the dialogue and provided additional clinical and consumer feedback regarding these systems. NCART was pleased to participate in that discussion and offer CRT perspectives that support coverage. CMS did not indicate a timeline for next steps, but additional data is being provided and additional meetings will be scheduled.

NCART will be providing additional guidance and updates as the information becomes available.

NCART Board Discuss CRT Advocacy Priorities for 2024

NCART operates under the direction of an experienced Board of Directors with representatives from small, medium, and large CRT providers and manufacturers.

Our Board of Directors met in Nashville, TN this month to plan for CRT advocacy priorities in 2024.

To learn more about the NCART Board of Directors, click below.

Advocacy in Action

We have often said that CRT advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint. Positive outcomes require consistent outreach from our community and strong relationships with Congress and other policymakers.

During the recent Congressional CRT Product Expo, we were able to provide education and insight to policy influencers and communicate the need for support to enhance and ensure access to CRT for individuals with disabilities.

We look forward to continuing to work together to pursue meaningful change and create lasting improvements for CRT access! 

NCART Membership

NCART is the only national organization focused completely on representing suppliers and manufacturers of Complex Rehab Technology (CRT). We are strictly focused on working with policymakers, legislators, advocacy organizations, and others to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to the specialized equipment they need.

If your company provides or manufactures CRT, help us fight the negative trends in coverage and payment that continue to mount. Your membership is crucial! Your support will enable us to continue to advocate aggressively on your behalf as we work to maintain and establish the policies required.

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

Alaska – An NCART and PAMES provider workgroup has been meeting with the Alaska Commissioner’s office to discuss reimbursement increases and needed CRT repair reform; additional meetings are scheduled in October to identify opportunities for 2023-2024.

California –Right to Repair legislation that included prior authorization reform was vetoed by the Governor; additional legislative discussions continue regarding budget requests for the State’s next fiscal year; NCART members are hosting multiple legislative site visits to support these requests.

Connecticut – NCART, (not part of the meetings), and other stakeholders are continuing deliberations with CT legislators and consumer advocacy organizations to identify needed service and repair reform outside; these discussions are ongoing and a legislatively-appointed workgroup including NCART and others 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 hearings and has coordinated meetings with key legislators in August and September; October committee hearings were held and NCART provided written and verbal testimony.



Michigan – CRT state recognition legislation has been introduced and passed unanimously in the Senate (S449 and S450); the bills have been sent over to the House and will be referred to the House Health Policy Committee; NCART is communicating with the Michigan Healthcare and Hospice Association and lobbyist on needed next steps; committee hearings will be scheduled; NCART will provide written and verbal testimony in support of the legislation.

Utah – NCART presented FY 2025 budget requests to the Medical Care Advisory Committee in June; ongoing efforts will require legislative action in 2023/2024; NCART has communicated with key legislative committees about these budget requests as well as actions urgently needed to improve claim processing delays; additional legislative meetings have been requested and discussions are ongoing.

CRT Repair Reform Strategy Development

NCART and our members believe that multifaceted reform is necessary to support reliable, professional repair services for Complex Rehab Technology. Earlier this month, an industry workgroup convened in Arlington, VA to discuss needed action in 2024.

We have been making progress and will continue to lead efforts alongside state associations, consumer advocacy organizations, legislators, agencies, and others to advocate for changes that improve access. For more details on CRT Repair Reform, click the button below.  

Spina Bifida Awareness Month

October has been a month for raising awareness about Spina Bifida.

Roughly 1 in 3000 babies are born with this condition which affects the closing of the neural tube around the spinal cord which can result in physical and intellectual disabilities.

Organizations like the Spina Bifida Association help build a better and brighter future for those living affected by Spina Bifida. This year their organization turns 50! Thank you for all your hard work SBA!

NCART welcomes opportunities to support events that promote CRT education and advocacy. Here are some of the events that we're excited to share:

• HOMES Winter Conference - November 2
• TexMEP Annual Conference – November 9-10
• Abilities Expo Dallas - December 1-3, 2023