December 16, 2019
CRT Advocates and Friends,
Great news! Thanks to everyone's work (for the past week and the past two years) our Complex Rehab Manual Wheelchair language has been included in year-end spending legislation that will be voted on this week. We are not over the finish line, but it is in sight as the bill has bi-partisan leadership support and is expected to be voted on in the House tomorrow and in the Senate by Friday.
The CRT language provides a permanent Competitive Bid Program exemption for Complex Rehab Manual Wheelchairs and accessories. It also provides an 18-month suspension of the current inappropriate application of Competitive Bid payment rates to Complex Rehab Manual Wheelchair accessories effective 1/1/20.
The larger year-end bill number is H.R. 1865. We need to thank Congress for this inclusion and let them know how important it is that they pass the legislation this week. Information has been updated at www.protectmymobility.org so that advocates are able to deliver this message to their Members of Congress in less than five minutes.
Our sincere thanks to our CRT champions Representatives John Larson (D-CT) and Lee Zeldin (R-NY) and Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Rob Portman (R-OH) for their commitment and hard work. We're also grateful to Energy & Commerce Committee Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Ranking Member Greg Walden (R-OR), Ways & Means Committee Chair Richie Neal (D-MA) and Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-TX), and Senate Finance Committee Chair Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR).
Passage of this legislation will be a MAJOR win for people with disabilities who depend on CRT. A huge thank you to all the organizations and individuals of the CRT community for the collective and persistent advocacy efforts. We will keep you updated as we hear more.
Regards,
Don Clayback
Executive Director | NCART