WASHINGTON, D.C. – A week after an eventful midterm election, President Donald Trump signed H.R. 1703, the Choices for Increased Mobility Act, into law. The new law allows Medicare beneficiaries to access manual wheelchairs constructed with carbon fiber and titanium materials. The House passed the bill by voice vote on July 20. The Senate followed with unanimous consent on September 30.
“This is a tremendous patient access victory,” said Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare. “Industry and allied consumer groups found common ground and then kept showing up year after year to advocate for this legislation. Because of that persistence, people who rely on complex rehab technology will have access to lighter, more advanced wheelchairs. It’s a special example of seeing a need and working through the legislative system for a solution that will have a huge impact.”
John Quinlan, president and CEO of Quinlan’s Pharmacy and Medical Equipment, pointed out that both political parties are usually receptive to the DME industry’s political messaging. That said, advocates will need to engage with new members of Congress and keep spreading the message
“Advocacy is not just about protecting our businesses,” says Quinlan, who also serves as president of NEMEP and is the 2026 recipient of the Van Miller Homecare Champion Award. “It’s about protecting the patients and communities that depend on us every day.
“As providers, we see firsthand how policy decisions affect patient access, reimbursement, regulatory requirements, and our ability to deliver quality care,” he continues. “Those real world experiences need to be heard by the people making those decisions. If we don’t speak up, we risk allowing others who may not fully understand our industry to shape its future.”
The Mobility Act win is the culmination of more than six years of advocacy by NCART, VGM, state associations, clinicians, and consumer groups who remained active in pursuing this legislation. AAHomecare officials praised Senator-elect Josh Turek (D-IA) for his past work on the bill, including visiting D.C. during the 118th Congress to specifically advocate for its passage with House and Senate offices.
AAHomecare also expressed gratitude to Rep. John Joyce (R-PA), who helped steer this legislation through the House, and to Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) for their strong support in the Senate.
NOTE: John Joyce won re-election on Nov. 3, 2026. Marsha Blackburn won re-election on Nov. 3, 2026. Tammy Duckworth won re-election on Nov. 3, 2026. Josh Turek won the U.S. Senate seat in Iowa on Nov. 3, 2026, flipping the seat to the Democratic Party.
