Navigating the Intersection of Smarter CRT and Payment Challenges

Published in Complex Rehab on January 21, 2026

As reported by HME News, complex rehab technology (CRT) is evolving faster than the systems designed to pay for it. AI-driven operations, advanced power wheelchairs, and adaptive controls are setting new standards for patient independence. Yet, providers still face outdated reimbursement models, inconsistent payment rates, and improper denials—especially from Medicare Advantage plans.

The good news? Technology is helping providers fight back. AI tools now streamline intake, insurance verification, and scheduling, cutting weeks off delivery times. (Read below for the many AI and technology solutions available to U.S. Rehab members through our vendor partners.)

Policy progress is happening, too. Recent wins include expanded coverage for power seat elevation in multiple Medicaid programs and advocacy efforts across 28 states. But looming risks—like Medicaid funding cuts and fee schedule reductions—could jeopardize access to essential services.

Looking ahead to 2026, advocacy priorities include Medicare coverage for power standing systems, repair reform, and fair payment structures. Despite political gridlock, industry leaders remain committed to protecting access and advancing CRT technology.

Read the full HME News article here.

U.S. Rehab AI & Tech Solutions

U.S. Rehab partners with several vendor partners who offer innovative solutions and back-office support by automating day-to-day, time-consuming tasks with ease.

Cutting-Edge Product Innovation

On the equipment side, Permobil offers top-of-the-line solutions in innovative assistive technology. Their Permobil Store platform simplifies configuration, quote management, and spare parts ordering, complete with real-time 3D visualization and chair width calculations. Meanwhile, LUCI enhances the power wheelchair experience with advanced sensor-fusion technology and cloud-based communication and alerts, offering collision avoidance, drop-off and tip protection, and secure health monitoring. Similarly, Braze Mobility’s blind spot sensors can be added to any wheelchair, automatically detecting obstacles and providing alerts to the user through intuitive lights, sounds, and vibrations. Tolt Technologies’ Ability Drive® app runs on an approved eye-gaze device, sensing gazes on virtual buttons, which send directional movement commands to the Ability Drive® hardware interface.

Smarter Back-Office Operations

Partners like Nymbl Systems offer a cloud-based, accessible platform that integrates billing and claims management, streamlines patient intake and scheduling, customizes workflows, and offers insights to monitor financial health, while Synthpop’s AI agents take on intake processing, patient communications, and payer calls, freeing your team to focus on improving service and outcomes with clients. Analytix Solutions streamlines workflows with tools for scheduling, data security, and financial management.

Visit the members-only portal to discover all the AI and tech solutions available through U.S. Rehab’s trusted vendor partners.

Want to stay ahead? U.S. Rehab members can access resources, advocacy updates, and technology insights to help navigate these challenges. Let us know how we can help you by reaching out to U.S. Rehab today.

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