PHOENIX – As NCART (National Coalition for Assistive & Rehab Technology) approached 2026, our board felt it was important to survey our members to identify the top priorities, as well as obstacles and opportunities. NCART is the only membership organization that represents the complex rehab technology (CRT) industry. Our members have been facing several challenges in 2025, and NCART wants to lead the way in ensuring that we are focused on positively resolving those issues.
The industry and consumers that we serve have an incredible opportunity to have the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recognize power standing as a Medicare benefit. NCART engaged The Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition approximately five years ago to work with the CRT industry to try to create a benefit for seat elevation and power standing.
We were successful in obtaining the benefit for seat elevation, but power standing has not moved forward. In talking with consumers, we underestimated the incredible benefit that seat elevation has had to help transform consumers’ lives.
We know that a Medicare benefit for power standing can offer the same incredible opportunity for consumers to lead their best life. NCART is continuing the push to allow the industry to make the medical argument for power standing. We have the data. We have the proof necessary that will make this a reality in 2026.
NCART has also been working to reduce the expenses and burdensome requirements by state Medicaid and Medicaid Managed Care organizations regarding repairs. Specifically, eliminating the need for prior authorization for repairs. This is a duplicative process that requires providers to waste considerable resources (administrative time, double travel requirements to perform repairs) when they should be focused on taking care of the customers.
Prior Authorization has already been approved for the original equipment. Insurance knows that repairs will be needed, but rather than making it easier for the consumer, insurance requires copious amounts of paperwork to take 7-21 days to approve repairs. Eliminating prior authorization for repairs makes sense, and NCART has successfully worked in nine states to change the prior authorization requirements for repairs. This has been a great win for our members, but more importantly, those consumers get their equipment up and running faster. We are working in additional states in 2026.
NCART members are also concerned about the potential for CRT Medicaid cuts that were included in federal legislation. We are working with stakeholders to prepare for reductions in Medicaid benefits, including possible fee schedule reductions or the elimination of benefits. This is a bigger issue than just CRT, but NCART must remain focused on protecting our members and our consumers.
We have a strategy and are developing a playbook and materials that we will be sharing with our members. NCART is also working with AAHomecare, state associations, and consumer advocacy groups to strengthen our efforts to convince legislators that making changes to CRT will harm consumers who are also voters.
NCART has built our reputation as the CRT advocacy organization representing manufacturers and providers on state and federal legislative and regulatory issues. While this is true, we take a more holistic approach to ensure the items we work on strengthen our members’ ability to take care of the consumers we serve. A strong, vibrant industry is what consumers need to ensure the proper access to CRT equipment and services; That is what NCART focuses on every day.
Wayne Grau is executive director of NCART. NCART will be exhibiting at Medtrade when the show convenes March 2-4 at the Phoenix Convention Center. Stop by Booth #1621 at Medtrade to see how NCART can help your CRT business.
