Tag: CRT accessories
Accessories issue clears committee
July 17, 2019HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - The Energy and Commerce Committee in the House of Representatives has approved a bill that includes language to suspend bid pricing for accessories for complex rehab manual wheelchairs for one year, according to AAHomecare. The committee's Health Subcommittee endorsed the bill, H.R. 2328, last week. The bill would also permanently exempt complex rehab manual wheelchairs from the competitive bidding program. H.R. 2328 is one of two larger bills with similar language. The House Ways and...
Accessories issue passes another hurdle
June 28, 2019Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON - A bill in the House of Representatives that would temporarily stop Medicare from applying competitive bidding pricing to accessories for complex rehab manual wheelchairs is headed to the floor for a full vote.The Ways and Means Committee passed H.R. 3429, the “HEARTS and Rural Relief Act,” with a voice vote after a “mark up” session on Wednesday, June 26.“This means the bill has been fully vetted, so it'll be much easier to get it to a full vote,”...
Deeper dive: New bill builds framework for separate benefit
June 7, 2019Liz Beaulieu, Editor
BUFFALO, N.Y. - A new bill to create a separate benefit for complex rehab that's “less prescriptive” than previous bills will improve the chances of Congress passing it and CMS embracing it, stakeholders say.“The general idea was to give CMS, in essence, direction, but to leave them some flexibility,” said Don Clayback, executive director of NRRTS. “Congress (works on the assumption) that CMS can take care of issues like these, with some direction.”Reps. Jim Sensenbrenner,...
In brief: KCI sells to 3M, senators introduce accessories bill
May 3, 2019HME News Staff
SAN ANTONIO and NEW YORK - A consortium of funds led by Apax Partners has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Acelity and its KCI subsidiaries worldwide to 3M for about $6.725 billion.KCI markets a broad range of negative pressure wound therapy, specialty surgical and advanced wound care dress products in about 90 countries.“Today, KCI embarks upon a new era,” said R. Andrew Eckert, CEO of Acelity. “Backed by the resources and expertise of 3M, KCI will be able to offer clinicians...
Headed for a vote: Medicaid bill that includes accessories language
December 7, 2018Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON - December may, once again, turn out to be a lucky month for complex rehab stakeholders.Last week, industry champions in the House of Representatives were able to slide into a larger bill some language that requires CMS to stop applying competitive bidding pricing to accessories for complex rehab manual wheelchairs for 18 months, from Jan. 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020.“We're pleased with the 18 months,” said Seth Johnson, senior vice president of government affairs for Pride...
Manual accessories: NCART puts new emphasis on access
March 23, 2018Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON - Complex rehab stakeholders are taking a slightly different tack now that the manual accessories issue wasn't included in the recent omnibus bill.Stakeholders were pushing for H.R. 3730, a bill that would stop competitive bidding-related cuts for accessories for complex manual wheelchairs, to be part of the much larger spending package.“Unfortunately, it was a big bill, which is why it's so attractive for (ride-ons), but we didn't make the cut,” said Don Clayback, executive...
All eyes on House bill for manual accessories
November 22, 2017Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON - With the clock ticking on 2017, stakeholders have zeroed in on increasing the number of co-sponsors for a bill in the House of Representatives that would protect accessories for complex rehab manual wheelchairs.At press time, H.R. 3730, which would exempt these accessories from competitive bidding pricing, had 49 co-sponsors.“We're staying in regular contact with our champions and what they've told us is, stay focused on building the level of support for the bill,” said Seth...
Complex rehab stakeholders 'pick up pace' for manuals
July 28, 2017Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON - Complex rehab stakeholders scored a big win when CMS used its authority to stop reimbursement cuts for accessories for complex power wheelchairs, but their job is only half done.Stakeholders are now aiming for legislation in the House of Representatives that would stop competitive bidding-related cuts for accessories for complex manual wheelchairs that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2016.“We're picking up the pace on that issue,” said Don Clayback, executive director of NCART.Legislation...
In brief: Medtrade shifts to shorter show, congresswoman circulates support letter
May 19, 2017HME News Staff
ATLANTA - Medtrade officials have shortened this year's show and added a cash incentive to attendees who stick around for the duration.Show officials will end this year's Medtrade, slated for Oct. 23-25 at the Georgia World Congress Center, on Wednesday evening instead of Thursday afternoon. Additionally, they will extend exhibit time by an extra hour on days two and three, keeping the show floor open until 5 p.m.The changes are based on exhibitor feedback and survey data, show officials say.“We...
Congresswoman releases support letter
May 18, 2017HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers. R-Wash., is circulating a sign-on letter asking HHS Secretary Tom Price to make significant changes to HME policy.The letter, which is also addressed to CMS Administrator Seema Verma, asks for reform in four key areas: relief for non-competitive bid areas; reforms to the competitive bid program; relief for CRT accessories; and the restoration of oxygen rates in rural areas.“CMS has continued to implement further reductions with very little regard to...