House passes bill to increase access to high-tech manual wheelchairs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives on July 20 passed H.R. 1703, a bill that would increase access to carbon fiber and titanium manual wheelchairs, by voice vote, AAHomecare and VGM Group have announced.

The Choices for Increased Mobility Act now moves to the Senate, where there is a companion bill, S. 247.

"This is an important milestone and brings this legislation one step closer to becoming law," said Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare. "For more than six years, AAHomecare, VGM, NCART, CRT stakeholders, and patient advocacy partners have worked tirelessly to advance this legislation. We're grateful to everyone across the industry who has shared their stories, contacted lawmakers, and continued to advocate for better access to mobility technology. That persistent advocacy has made today's progress possible, and we encourage members to keep the pressure on during the August recess so the Senate can act quickly when Congress returns in September."

The bill would create two new HCPCS codes for the base of an ultralight manual wheelchair – one code for a base with titanium or carbon fiber, and one for a base without these specialized materials – and would allow for upgrading within a code.

H.R. 1703, introduced by Rep. John Joyce, R-Pa., passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously in May. It has been widely supported by not only the industry but also patient advocacy organizations, including the ITEM Coalition.

“VGM Group is proud to work alongside all of the amazing CRT members and the consumer community, as well as our advocacy partners at NCART and AAHomecare, to move this meaningful legislation forward," said Ike Isaacson, senior vice president of government relations, for VGM.

Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., delivered remarks on the House floor in support of H.R. 1703:

"I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1703, led by my colleague Representative Joyce of Pennsylvania. This bill provides greater clarity on Medicare Part B payment rules for manual wheelchairs and ensures that ultralightweight manual wheelchairs have appropriate Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes. Mobility device use has increased over the past few decades, with more seniors relying on wheelchairs to maintain their independence and quality of life. Medicare beneficiaries should not be limited in their ability to access the right wheelchair to help them move freely in their daily lives. Ultimately, the payment clarifications in this legislation are intended to improve access to wheelchair upgrades among Medicare beneficiaries who choose to do so.”

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