The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has published a proposed decision to expand Medicare. They want to cover power seat elevation equipment in Powerchairs (Power Wheelchairs) for the wheelchair users that need it the most. Medicare calls this group, Group 3, and they are looking for your Comments on their proposed decision -- and also on whether to expand Medicare to provide the same benefit to wheelchair users who are a little better off, which CMS calls Group 2. (I know, the acronym should be CMMS rather than CMS, but you and I didn't invent it, so there you are.)
CMS's deadline for your Comments on these things is St. Patrick's Day, 2023, which as you know is tomorrow!
This being the federal government and Congress being what it was (and is), the Medicare people have to meet standards before they can expand Medicare coverage. The overarching standards are that the extended coverage is reasonable and necessary. First and foremost, that is what CMS is asking your Comments to address.
For this particular extension of Medicare to cover power seat elevation equipment, CMS is proposing to extend coverage when both of two things exist: (1) wheelchair transfers do damage to the wheelchair user's body (arms, shoulders) when she transfers from the wheelchair to anyplace else at home, and (2) the reasonable necessity if you will to elevate the chair is established in a specialty evaluation by a medical specialist trained in wheelchair uses especially in the home such as a Physical Therapist or an Occupational Therapist.
Finally, they are looking for Comments from anyone affected by the ability of wheelchair users to raise their powerchair seats, including family members, physicians, therapists, the users themselves, and more. It's simple and easy to leave your Comment: Just write about "reasonable and necessary" and be sure to address (1) and (2) that I have summarized above.
The CMS Press Release explaining its proposed decision is here, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-proposes-benefit-expansion-mobility-devices-advancing-health-equity-people-disabilities.
The portal to enter and leave your Comment is here, https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/nca.aspx?NCAId=309, just click the blue button that says Submit Public Comment.
Please read the disclaimer. ©2023 Dennis J. Wall. All rights reserved.
Comments