July 29, 2021

CRT Advocates and Friends,

Great news to share! CMS announced late today they have made a decision to permanently stop applying Competitive Bid Program pricing to cut Medicare payments for accessories (critical components) used with Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Manual Wheelchairs. You can view the related final rule here.

As reported at the end of June, CMS had extended a temporary suspension of any cuts until September 30. This was done to allow more time for their review of our request for a permanent policy. We are sincerely grateful to CMS for making today’s policy decision and protecting access for people with disabilities who depend on these individually configured CRT wheelchairs and seating systems.

This outcome was the result of several years of collaborative advocacy within the CRT Community to ensure these damaging cuts did not go into effect. We want to thank Reps. John Larson (D-CT) and Lee Zeldin (R-NY), and Sens. Bob Casey (D-PA) and Rob Portman (R-OH), for their ongoing leadership and support. We also extend thanks to their Congressional colleagues and Committee staff.

Special thanks to all the consumer, clinician, provider, and manufacturer individuals and national organizations for coming together. Consumer and clinician groups included the ITEM Coalition, United Spinal Association, Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, ALS Association, Spina Bifida Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Center for Medicare Advocacy, Clinician Task Force, and others. Provider and manufacturer groups included NRRTS, U.S. Rehab, AA Homecare, and RESNA.

And finally, sincere thanks to our NCART provider and manufacturer members. Their financial support and active engagement make meaningful advocacy wins like this possible.

We appreciate everyone’s commitment to protecting access and look forward to working together to make continued progress for people who depend on CRT.

Regards,

Don

Donald E. Clayback
Executive Director | NCART
716-839-9728 | www.ncart.us