Tag: NCART

EAST AMHERST, N.Y. – NCART says it grew its membership by nearly 20% in 2021. Two of the organization’s newest members include Alpine Home Medical, a provider with 10 locations in Utah and Idaho; and Matia Robotics, a manufacturer of “innovative solutions” for individuals with disabilities. “Thank you to both organizations for adding their support to CRT advocacy work,” the organization stated in a bulletin. “We couldn’t be prouder to be working alongside...

WASHINGTON – Complex rehab stakeholders were scheduled to meet with CMS officials right before the holidays to check on their request to reconsider coverage for power seat elevation and power standing systems.  The meeting was scheduled to take place on Dec. 22 with Dr. Meena Seshamani, deputy administrator and director of the Center for Medicare, and others.  “We’re hoping to hear from them about specific, concrete steps that the agency is taking and, hopefully,...

EAST AMHERST, N.Y. – NCART has published a position paper on why Congress must preserve the current telehealth option for complex rehab-related services required by Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities. The paper lists the benefits to beneficiaries of a permanent telehealth option, including reduced exposure to viruses and other health risks, improved access to qualified practitioners, reduced transportation challenges and improved understanding of functional activities in the home. “This...

WASHINGTON – Complex rehab stakeholders have added additional layers of pressure on CMS to improve access to power seat elevation and power standing systems.  Sens. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Robert Casey, D-Pa., in October sent a letter to CMS asking the agency not just to take the next step but to amend the national coverage determination for mobility assistive equipment to include coverage of seat elevation and standing systems that are embedded in power...

WASHINGTON – A congressional sign-on letter asking CMS to act on power seat elevation and power standing systems garnered 77 signatures, including 14 members of the House committees that oversee the Medicare program. The letter, which was spearheaded by Reps. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., and Don Young, R-Alaska, and which has strong bipartisan support (49 Democrats and 28 Republicans), got a boost during the Virtual CRT Congressional Fly-in on Sept. 21 hosted by NCART and NRRTS. “The work...

WASHINGTON – The Virtual CRT Congressional Fly-in on Sept. 21 drew 184 attendees and resulted in nearly 230 visits with members of Congress, according to organizers NCART and NRRTS.  This year’s virtual format offered a number of benefits, they say, including the ability to “show” members of Congress and their staff complex rehab equipment, says Weesie Walker, executive director of NRRTS.  “In my group from Georgia, we had a therapist from the Clinician...

WASHINGTON – Complex rehab stakeholders now have “asks” lined up for their upcoming virtual congressional fly-in, including an increase in reimbursement to cover the increased costs of providing equipment and services.  Increased costs for complex rehab providers are tied to everything from the continued use of PPE and more frequent equipment cleaning due to the COVID-19 pandemic to the supply chain challenges that have resulted in shortages and delays.   “We...

WASHINGTON – Reps. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., and Don Young, R-Alaska., co-chairs of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, sent a letter in July to Xavier Becerra, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, asking him to take the next step in increasing access to power seat elevation and power standing systems for Group 3 power wheelchairs.  Stakeholders are waiting for CMS to seek public comments on a request to reconsider the national coverage determination for...

SAN DIEGO – ResMed reported revenue increased 14% to $876.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to the same period last year. Net income was $195.1 million vs. $177.8 million.  The company reported revenue increased 8% to $3.2 billion for fiscal year 2021 compared to the previous year. Net income was $474.5 million vs. $621.7 million.  “Our fourth quarter and full-year fiscal year 2021 results continue to demonstrate the strength and resiliency of our business,”...

EAST AMHERST, N.Y. – Registration is open for the 2021 CRT Virtual Congressional Fly-In, which takes place Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. Once registered, Congressional appointments will be scheduled for attendees who will also be partnered with other attendees from their state. NCART and NRRTS, who are hosting the event jointly, will offer webinars in advance to prep attendees with talking points and helpful tips, and offer an opportunity to practice with state teams. All meetings will...