|
||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
WASHINGTON, DC-September 25, 2007 – U.S. Rep. Ron Lewis (KY-02) joined several congressional colleagues at a news conference Tuesday morning to discuss legislation he has co-authored with U.S. Rep. Tom Allen (D-ME) to preserve access for Medicare beneficiaries to complex rehabilitation and assistive technology, including power wheelchairs.
The Medicare Access to Complex Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Act (H.R. 2231), would exempt complex power wheelchairs from a new competitive acquisition program, ensuring that these specialized devices remain available to the Medicare beneficiaries who need them.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is currently developing a national competitive acquisition system scheduled to take effect next year that would change how Medicare covers medical equipment, including complex power wheelchairs. The program would also determine which suppliers may participate in Medicare.
“Competitive bidding is a concept that I generally support,” said Lewis. “But it’s irresponsible to modify access to such specialized equipment, fitted to meet specific and unique individual needs, based on the lowest bid. These products have such a profound affect on the quality of life of thousands of Americans with neuromuscular disabilities. A one-size-fits-all approach just will not work.”
Lewis and Allen were joined by House colleagues Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Dr. Tom Price (R-TX), Betty Sutton (D-OH) at the morning news conference. Twelve Medicare beneficiaries who rely on complex power wheelchairs for mobility and independence attended the event to offer personal accounts about their conditions and insight into how competitive bidding could force them to endure life with equipment that does not meet their unique needs.
The event was organized by members of the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology.
“CMS made the wrong decision by including these complex chairs in their competitive bidding process,” said Lewis. “I am hopeful that this legislation will stop them from moving forward with this bad policy.”
###
|
 |
Press Release List |  |