Breaking: Titanium/Carbon Fiber Upgrade Bill Introduced in the Senate – S.5154

Published in Government Relations on September 25, 2024

Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the titanium/carbon fiber wheelchair upgrade bill on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024. 

S.5154 aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to clarify payment rules for manual wheelchairs under part B of the Medicare program. Currently, if a consumer wants a titanium or carbon fiber manual wheelchair, they must pay for the full cost 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. This bill is the Senate companion to the identical House bill, H.R.5371 - Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2023. 

The CRT industry has amplified their voice recently regarding CRT legislation. Both NCART and AAHomecare have hosted in-person events in Washington, D.C., to encourage support for this and other CRT bills. 

Tyler Mahncke, President of U.S. Rehab, reports, “U.S. Rehab has been actively engaged in Washington, D.C., over the past few weeks, collaborating closely with NCART and AAHomecare. Our efforts have focused on educating policymakers about the health benefits and consumer choice associated with upgrading to carbon or titanium base manual chairs. We are thrilled to announce that a bill supporting this initiative has been introduced in the Senate. As a budget-neutral measure that offers significant benefits to consumers, this initiative represents a positive step forward.” 

The goal is to pass the bill by the end of the year. Strong support from Senate Finance will be crucial in passing this bill. Please reach out to your Senators today asking them to support S.5154. Click here to send a message directly to your Senator asking them to support this important legislation. 


TAGS

  1. advocacy
  2. billing & reimbursement
  3. complex rehab
  4. vgm government

From Our Experts

You Got The Contract! ...Now What?! Part 3: Contract Implementation thumbnail You Got The Contract! ...Now What?! Part 3: Contract Implementation Contract Implementation: Turning Agreements Into Revenue  Securing a contract is worth celebrating—but what happens next is just as critical. Do you have a structured process for implementation, or does the contract sit in your inbox waiting for an issue to arise? A robust implementation workflow is essential to ensure accurate and timely reimbursement and avoid preventable denials. Deadline To Comment On CMS' Proposed Rule Is Today thumbnail Deadline To Comment On CMS' Proposed Rule Is Today VGM Group has submitted our comments on the CY26 CMS DMEPOS/Home Health Proposed Rule and encourages you to do the same (if you haven't done so already)!  Our comments provide key recommendations aimed at protecting patient access and supporting the HME community.  VGM's Key Recommendations Include: CONNECT for Health Act Gains Bipartisan Telehealth Support thumbnail CONNECT for Health Act Gains Bipartisan Telehealth Support On April 2, 2025, a bipartisan group of 60 senators reintroduced the CONNECT for Health Act, legislation that would expand patient access to telehealth services through Medicare while removing barriers to adoption. The bill would also make permanent the COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities currently set to expire Sept. 30. The lead sponsors of the bill are Sens. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Mark Warner (D-VA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Peter Welch (D-VT), and John Barrasso (R-WY). [Vlog] Important Updates Regarding NIPPV NCD thumbnail [Vlog] Important Updates Regarding NIPPV NCD Watch below an important update from Ronda Burhmester, Sr. Director Payer Relations & Reimbursement, VGM & Associates, regarding non-invasive pressure ventilation. Make Your Voice Heard On The Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail Make Your Voice Heard On The Competitive Bidding Program “If the Competitive Bidding Program goes forward, it will be devastating—not just for providers like me but, most importantly, for the patients we serve,” said Jonathan Temple, owner of OxyMed LLC. You Got the Contract! Part 2: Maintaining It thumbnail You Got the Contract! Part 2: Maintaining It In our last article, we discussed the key provisions to be sure you know about your contract. It is critical to understand these provisions to help comply with the contract terms, fulfill your obligations as your business changes, and understand the payer's obligations and your rights under the contract. In this article we discuss some best practices for managing your contracts once you get them. Industry Uncertainty & Advocacy: What You Can Do Now thumbnail Industry Uncertainty & Advocacy: What You Can Do Now The proposed rule introduces broad structural changes without full clarity on implementation timelines or enforcement. Industry groups like VGM, AAHomecare, and CQRC are urging stakeholders to engage in advocacy to shape final rules. To prepare for the sweeping changes in the 2025 CMS Proposed Rule for DMEPOS, companies should take a multi-pronged strategic approach. Here is a breakdown of key preparation strategies: Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association (ADMEA) Seeks New Executive Director thumbnail Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association (ADMEA) Seeks New Executive Director The Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association (ADMEA) is now accepting applications for the role of Executive Director. This is an exciting leadership opportunity for an individual with a passion for healthcare, industry advocacy, and association management.