ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Holidays are here, and one additional gift for the nation is that the election is over. There are no more political ads or fundraising texts, and we can now focus on must-pass legislation in 2024 and planning for 2025. I enjoy following politics, but this election year was too much for me.
In 2025, the Republicans will control the Presidency, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. However, before we can start planning for 2025, work remains this year to help the DME and Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) industry and the patients that we serve.
We have two must-pass legislative items.
The Choices For Increased Mobility Act Of 2024
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced Senate Bill S 5154, along with Dr. John Joyce(R-PA), who introduced House Bill HR 5371. These bills will allow improved access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs for Medicare beneficiaries and allow consumers to choose the type of manual wheelchair that best fits their medical and lifestyle needs. The bill is expected to be budget-neutral for the American taxpayer.
Reinstating the 75/25 blended rate for non-competitive bidding, non-rural areas
NCART fully supports the incredible work that AAHomecare is doing working with Congress to restore the 75/25 rates for non-competitive, non-rural areas. The entire AAHomecare team is working on the Hill to educate representatives and senators about the effects of these cuts on the industry and our ability to continue serving patients.
Congress is working on an end-of-year healthcare package, and we need to ensure these two pieces of legislation are included. The industry needs to push our legislators to include these bills before the end of the year. Contact NCART.us and AAHomecare.org to learn how you can assist the industry in educating your legislators about these issues and protecting our industry and our patients.
Wayne Grau is executive director of the National Coalition For Assistive & Rehab Technology (NCART), Rochester, New York.
