CMS Opens Comment Period for Power Seat Elevation Coverage

Published in Complex Rehab on August 23, 2022

Late on Monday, August 15th, CMS announced the opening of a 30-day comment period relating to the request for Medicare coverage of power seat elevation systems used with complex power wheelchairs. This is a federally required time period that allows the public to submit data, views, and arguments in regards to a current rule. You can read the full announcement from CMS here

Currently, the Medicare program does not encompass coverage of power seat elevation systems that are used with complex power wheelchairs. This is because in the Medicare policy power seat elevation is listed as a "not primarily medical in nature". However, back in September of 2020 the ITEM Coalition Workgroup, submitted a National Coverage Determination, the purpose of which was to provide CMS with document research as to why power seat elevation systems are primarily medical in nature. This comment period is time for providers and users to submit their stories, reasons, and data as to why this coverage is necessary, and important, for power wheelchair users.

What does this mean for you?

There is an immediate need for as many comments to be submitted by September 14, 2022 in support of Medicare coverage of power seat elevation. The comments that are going to mean the most are from the perspectives of the people who are affected the most.

U.S. Rehab has put compiled a list of resources that providers can use to spread awareness to collect as many comments as possible:

  • Email template: providers can use to send out to their customers
  • Social Media template: anyone can use the verbiage to post on social media.
  • Find a list of talking points/tips for building your comment here

LEAVE A COMMENT

To those that have Medicare ELEVATE YOURSELF and for mobility suppliers ELEVATE YOUR CUSTOMERS by providing feedback on the medical necessity (benefits) of the power seat elevation system!


TAGS

  1. billing & reimbursement
  2. cms
  3. complex rehab

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