NCART updates: Prior authorization change, research opportunity

WASHINGTON – The National Coalition for Assistive & Rehab Technology (NCART) has notified providers in Illinois of a change in state law PA 104-0324 that affects prior approvals for wheelchair repairs. Effective March 1, 2026, the threshold amount required for prior approval of wheelchair repairs has changed to $1,500 from $750. The association says providers may not divide wheelchair repairs into separate claims for the purpose of staying under the $1,500 threshold. “(The state) will be monitoring DME billing claims for compliance on this issue,” NCART stated in an email bulletin. Questions regarding fee-for-service customer repair approvals may be directed at a DME billing consultant within the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 1-877-782-5565 option 3, then option 2. Questions regarding managed care organization (MCO) customer repair approvals may be directed to the applicable MCO. 

NCART says Becky Breaux, PhD, OTR/L, ATP of Dynamic Seating, in partnership with Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, and professional research assistant Sarah Walker, MS, seek input from people with cerebral palsy and related conditions and their caregivers. The purpose of their research, which is supported by a National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research Grant (NIDILRR number 90SFGE0077), is to better understand how and why people use Dynamic Seating on their mobility devices and what’s the impact. The deadline to complete the online survey supporting this research is March 15, 2026. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a $50 gift card raffle. Access the survey here.