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H.R. 1703 Advances, Bringing Greater Choice for Wheelchair Users

Published in VGM Government Relations on July 20, 2026

The DMEPOS community, particularly wheelchair providers and users, should be celebrating an important victory as the House approved the Choices for Increased Mobility Act (H.R. 1703).  

Rep. John Joyce

Sponsored by Rep. John Joyce (R-PA), the bill addresses longstanding Medicare reimbursement challenges for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs, particularly those made with advanced materials such as titanium and carbon fiber. The bill was considered under suspension of the rules, a process typically reserved for bipartisan legislation with broad support. Passage under suspension requires a two-thirds vote of the House, signaling strong momentum behind the effort. 

The legislation directs CMS to establish separate HCPCS codes for ultralightweight wheelchair bases based on construction materials, recognizing the differences between standard wheelchairs and those built with premium materials. This change is intended to expand beneficiary choice and provide greater clarity within Medicare's reimbursement framework.  

House passage marks a major milestone for the complex rehab technology and mobility communities, which have spent years advocating for policies that better reflect the needs of wheelchair users and the value of advanced mobility technology.  

"VGM Group is proud to work alongside all of the amazing CRT members and the consumer community, as well as our advocacy partners at NCART and AAHomecare, to move this meaningful legislation forward." Ike Isaacson, SVP of Government Relations, VGM Group, Inc.

What Happens Next?

With House passage secured, H.R. 1703 now moves to the Senate for consideration. While this is a significant step forward, the advocacy effort is not over.

Suppliers, manufacturers, clinicians, consumers, and advocacy organizations are encouraged to continue engaging their Senators and sharing real-world stories about how access to ultralightweight wheelchairs improves independence, mobility, and quality of life. Continued grassroots advocacy will be critical to maintaining momentum and advancing the bill to the president's desk.

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