Tag: titanium

WASHINGTON – The Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee in the House of Representatives has approved two HME-related bills, AAHomecare has reported.  The bills, The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023 (H.R. 5555) and The Choices for Increased Mobility Act (H.R. 5371), will now move to the full E&C Committee for consideration in the coming weeks, the association says.   “This is a major step forward for our priority legislation in the House,” said Tom Ryan, AAHomecare president...

WASHINGTON – A new bill in the U.S. House of Representatives would allow Medicare beneficiaries to pay the difference to upgrade to a titanium or carbon fiber manual wheelchair.  Right now, if a consumer wants a titanium or carbon fiber manual wheelchair, they must pay for the full cost of the wheelchair out of pocket, have their provider file a non-assigned claim on their behalf and, if approved, wait to receive 80% of the Medicare allowable.  “These numbers aren’t...

WASHINGTON – Rep. John Joyce, R-Pa., has introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would allow for code upgrades for titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs under Medicare. “Stronger patient access to lightweight carbon fiber and titanium wheelchairs will allow more individuals with mobility challenges to function independently and take part in their communities,” said Tom Ryan, AAHomecare president and CEO. “Working to build support for this measure has...

WASHINGTON - CMS has taken away a Medicare beneficiary's “right to choose,” now that providers aren't allowed to use K0108 for titanium or heavy duty upgrades for manual wheelchairs, industry stakeholders say.In a joint article on Dec. 15, the DME MACs state that the codes for manual wheelchairs—K0001 through K0009—have always included the cost of these upgrades.“Suppliers billing for manual wheelchair bases must not include HCPCS code K0108 in addition to the base wheelchair...

WASHINGTON - NCART has formed a work group and developed an issue paper in response to CMS's decision not to allow separate billing for titanium wheelchair frames and heavy duty upgrades.The agency argues these features are included in the initial fee schedules developed for manual wheelchairs.“This is the most recent example of policy changes and re-interpretations over the past few years implemented by CMS and its contractors that eliminate access,” said Don Clayback, executive director...