Tag: Wheelchair
More than walking: What does movement cost the patient?
October 27, 2026Nisha Jacob Savanhu
When we talk about mobility, we often make it sound binary. A patient is mobile or immobile. Walking or bedbound. Independent or dependent. But there is a very large space between those categories – and that is often where home medical equipment (HME) has the greatest opportunity to help.
One question I have learned to ask is not only, “Can this patient make the movement?” but also, “What does that movement cost them?”
A patient may technically...
Lawmakers call on Medicare to cover preventative maintenance for CRT
October 26, 2026HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., and colleagues have called on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to cover preventative maintenance for complex rehab technology (CRT).
The lawmakers, in a letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, also ask the agency to drop a prescription renewal requirement for repairs of this equipment.
“Each year, tens of thousands of Medicare beneficiaries depend on CRT systems and equipment to maintain...
California removes certain requirements for wheelchair repairs
August 4, 2026HME News Staff
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Department of Health Care Services will not require treatment authorization requests (TARs) when the cumulative cost for wheelchair repair maintenance or replacement parts is less than or equal to $2,500 within a calendar month, the National Coalition for Assistive & Rehab Technology (NCART) has announced. “NCART members, consumers, and the California Department of Health Care Services have been meeting to improve the CRT benefit for California consumers,”...
Merits Health writes new chapter for Motivation
March 23, 2026HME News Staff
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Merits Health Products has restarted production of the Motivation Charitable Trust range of wheelchairs, seating systems, trikes, parts and sports products.
Motivation closed its U.K. operation in 2025 due to global pressures, including cuts to international aid.
“It’s a natural fit for Merits,” said Jonathan Cheng, president of Merits Health Products. “Our ambition is always to create the best products in their class, with functionality for...
New York updates CRT maintenance, repair policies
December 4, 2025HME News Staff
ALBANY, N.Y. – The state of New York will cover preventative maintenance for all primary power wheelchairs (PWCs) that are less than five years old, effective Jan. 1, 2026, for fee-for-service (FFS) and March 1, 2026, for managed care, the National Coalition of Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) has reported. The state will also cover Group 2, Group 3, Group 4, Group 5 and Group 6 power wheelchairs with or without power options for use as a backup PWC when...
U.S. Rehab, Nymbl ‘make life so much easier’ for therapists
June 2, 2025Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WATERLOO, Iowa, and DUBLIN, Ohio – U.S. Rehab, a division of VGM & Associates, and Nymbl Systems have collaborated on a new software feature that allows ATPs and therapists to communicate more efficiently about wheelchair evaluations.
ATPs whose companies use Nymbl Systems can now send therapists a link to create a login and password to access the new feature, called LMN Builder, to complete evaluations – with some information like patient name and date pre-populated –...
RJ Mobility marries ‘clever’ products with white-glove service
June 2, 2025Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WEST STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. – RJ Mobility Alliance of Massachusetts has a unique product portfolio and a unique business model that the company hopes it can expand northward.
The two-year-old company, which accepts only cash and credit, is making a name for itself by selling rollators and scooters from brands like Rollz, Comodita, AGM, U-Step and Tzora online, and delivering, setting up and even customizing them for area residents.
Here’s what John Mirel, owner and CEO of...
Right-to-repair: NCART, NEMEP rally troops in NY
May 30, 2025Liz Beaulieu, Editor
ALBANY, N.Y. – New York is the latest state where right-to-repair bills have popped up, prompting NCART and NEMEP to host a recent webcast to raise awareness and advocate for changes and protections.
“We have both risks and potential opportunities,” said Wayne Grau, executive director of NCART. “We want to give you what the bills are for, what’s been happening, what we need to do about it and how you can get involved. If there’s anything I’ve learned...
Invacare tees up second ‘Move For Mobility’ campaign
April 30, 2025HME News Staff
ELYRIA, Ohio – Invacare is launching its second “Move For Mobility” fundraising and activity campaign in Europe and Asia Pacific, building on the success of last year's campaign with partner Free Wheelchair Mission. “Move For Mobility” encourages and inspires employees, their families, and the company’s partners to get moving while raising money and awareness for Free Wheelchair Mission, a non-profit organization that provides wheelchairs at no cost to individuals...
Rehab Medical marks 20 years of service
March 26, 2025HME News Staff
INDIANAPOLIS – Rehab Medical is celebrating 20 years of service and dedication to improving the quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges.
From its founding in 2005 as a durable medical equipment provider to its transition to a complex rehab technology (CRT) provider, Rehab Medical has supported countless users, providing them with custom mobility solutions that empower independence and confidence.
"As we take this time to reflect on what the...