August 16, 2018 CRT Stakeholders and Friends, NCART recently conducted a survey of over 400 Medicare supplier locations to assess the impact of continued Medicare payment cuts to Complex Rehab manual wheelchair accessories. The results indicate that there has been a major decrease in access. View the survey report here. The term "accessories" is misleading as these items are critical components of the individually-configured wheelchair system. They include headrests, pressure relieving cushions, positioning devices, and other items. An alarming 87% of the suppliers state they have already implemented significant reductions in their provision of accessories used with Complex Rehab manual wheelchairs or will be doing so within the next 90 days. Our next step is to get this compelling data to Congress. The survey results further emphasize the need for Congress to pass H.R. 3730 and S. 486 to stop CMS from continuing to inappropriately apply Competitive Bid Program pricing to accessories used with Complex Rehab manual wheelchairs. You can read more about the need for this legislation here. Now is the time to reach out to your Members of Congress with this new data, even if they have already signed on to the bills. Take three minutes to visit www.protectmymobility.org and click on the "Send the Email" link. Supply your information and an email will be sent to your Members detailing the survey results and the need to take legislative action this year. Thank you for sending your email and sharing the link with others to help us improve access for individuals with disabilities. Regards, Don Donald E. Clayback Executive Director | NCART 716-839-9728 (office) | 716-913-4754 (cell) [email protected] | www.ncart.us