January 31, 2017 CRT Stakeholders, Great news from Congress for people with disabilities who rely on Complex Rehab Technology! CRT Champions Representatives Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and Joe Crowley (D-NY) have joined together to reintroduce the "Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2017" in the House of Representatives. The new bill number is H.R. 750. In his announcement (see here), Representative Sensenbrenner stated "As a leader in the fight for the rights of the disabled, I want to ensure all Americans have access to the tools needed to live each day to the fullest. Disabled Americans should not be denied rehabilitation or medical equipment that can enable them to live and work freely and independently." Representative Crowley said in his announcement (see here), "This legislation would guarantee that patients have access to the high-quality products and services they need to lead a more independent life. For those with disabilities and other medical conditions, these complex rehabilitation technology products are necessities." The CRT Community is very thankful to Representatives Sensenbrenner and Crowley for their continued leadership in protecting access for people with disabilities. This legislation finished last year with strong bipartisan support with 173 Representatives and 20 Senators signed on. We will be updating our websites and supporting materials to assist Stakeholders in reconnecting with their Members of Congress to re-sign past cosponsors or secure new cosponsors in this Congressional session. On another important front, work is underway to reintroduce legislation in Congress to provide a permanent stop to the application of Medicare Competitive Bid pricing to CRT Wheelchair Accessories. This bill is expected to be reintroduced as we move into February. Thanks for your continued support! Stay tuned for more details. Regards, Don Donald E. Clayback Executive Director | NCART Office 716-839-9728 | Cell 716-913-4754 dclayback@ncart.us |www.ncart.us