March 17, 2020
CRT Stakeholders and Friends,
The country continues to put plans in place to address the growing issues resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. The virus presents health risks for individuals who rely on Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) and the related precautions and shut downs prevent timely access to needed assessments, deliveries, and repair services. NCART and its members are committed to working with federal and state policy makers to establish solutions that protect access for people with disabilities.
This afternoon we submitted a formal request to CMS asking for temporary policy changes related to face-to-face requirements, telehealth opportunities, service and repair, timely filing, and supplier hours of operation. The requested changes would, at a minimum, provide some relief to the barriers stemming from reduced access to facilities and increased burdens being placed on healthcare providers. You can read the full letter to CMS here. We will be working on similar issues and solutions at the state level.
There are challenging weeks ahead as our country navigates this new, but temporary, environment. We will continue our CRT work and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Regards,
Don Clayback
Executive Director | NCART
dclayback@ncart.us | www.ncart.us