September 15, 2022

CRT Advocates and Friends,  

Yesterday was a banner day for CRT advocacy and we have much to share!

The NCART/NRRTS Virtual Congressional Fly-In was an overwhelming success. This year's event scored record attendance from over 300 advocates who held meetings with 292 Congressional offices throughout the day. Attendees represented all voices within the CRT Community: consumers, clinicians, providers, manufacturers, family members, caregivers, and others. We thank Congress for their time and attention! 

We also thank each of the advocates for their dedication and engagement in delivering the CRT messages. In the weeks ahead, they will be carrying out the important task of following up with offices on the CRT "Congressional Asks" presented yesterday. The CRT Asks can be viewed here. We are here to provide any needed assistance in the follow-up activities.

A very important request presented during yesterday's Congressional meetings was for House Representatives to join a BIPARTISAN sign-on letter being led by Reps. Jim Langevin (D-RI), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and John Rose (R-TN). The letter, which can be read here, urges CMS to move expeditiously in the review and coverage of power seat elevation systems and to open the comment period for power standing systems as soon as possible. House Representatives have until October 3 to sign on and we need your help. Click here or visit www.protectmymobility.org to email your Member asking them to sign on so we send a strong message to CMS.

Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Bob Casey (D-PA) have agreed to lead a similar letter in the Senate. We will share details about that as soon as available.

And there is even more to report! In conjunction with the Virtual Fly-In, the ITEM Coalition held a Congressional Briefing supporting Medicare coverage of power seat elevation and standing systems which NCART was pleased to support. The briefing was well-attended and speakers shared clinical, personal, and policy perspectives regarding the importance of establishing Medicare coverage for this technology. Special thanks go to Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA) for speaking at the event and adding their important supportive comments.

What a day! Yesterday created some great momentum for advancing actions that will enhance access to CRT. Let's all work together to keep this moving forward. Email your House Representatives by visiting www.protectmymobility.org today and encourage other advocates to do the same.

Don Clayback
NCART Executive Director

Weesie Walker
NRRTS Executive Director