VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

H.R.1703 - CRT House Companion Bill To S.247 Introduced

Published in Government Relations on March 04, 2025

Last week, Representatives John Joyce (R-PA) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) introduced H.R.1703, a companion bill to Senate bill S.247. This legislation aims to clarify Medicare Part B payment rules for manual wheelchairs. 

Much like its Senate counterpart, H.R.1703 proposes the creation of two new HCPCS codes specifically for complex rehab technology (CRT) manual wheelchairs. These changes are designed to allow for equipment upgrades within the same code classification. As a result, the bill will enhance access to advanced wheelchair technologies, including lightweight carbon fiber, and titanium options. 

This initiative is particularly significant for individuals with mobility challenges, empowering them to select wheelchairs that align with their unique medical, functional, and lifestyle needs—all without increasing costs to the Medicare program. 

The introduction of H.R.1703 in the House, alongside the support of S.247 in the Senate, reflects bipartisan efforts to address accessibility and choice in mobility aids. These parallel bills strengthen the likelihood of positive legislative outcomes for the disability community. 

What can you do? 

Please reach out to your legislators, asking them to co-sponsor and support Senate bill S.247 and House bill H.R.1703. We've made it quick and easy for you to send a message to your legislators. Click here to easily send your message. 

Get Connected

Stay up-to-date on the latest resources and news provided by VGM & Associates.

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

Congratulations to CAMPS On This Important Legislative Victory thumbnail Congratulations to CAMPS On This Important Legislative Victory The signing of AB 1794 is another reminder of the critical role state associations play in shaping healthcare policy, removing barriers to patient care, and ensuring providers have a seat at the table when important decisions are made. Legislative successes like this do not happen by accident. They are the result of engaged members, strong advocacy efforts, and collaboration with policymakers to address real-world challenges facing providers and the patients they serve. S.247, Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025, Passes U.S. Senate thumbnail S.247, Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025, Passes U.S. Senate S.247, Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025 has passed in the Senate through unanimous consent. It now heads to the President to be signed into law. Introduced in the Senate by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), The Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025 would... August Recess Recap: Building Relationships, Advancing Advocacy thumbnail August Recess Recap: Building Relationships, Advancing Advocacy As Congress worked through the August recess, the VGM Government Relations team remained actively engaged in securing meetings and building relationships with legislators, candidates, and key congressional staff across the country. This summer, the team made a strategic decision to focus getting a strong balance between Republican and Democratic offices, recognizing the importance of broadening support for DMEPOS priorities and ensuring policymakers from both parties understand the challenges.. Introducing Patient Voices: Access to HME Matters thumbnail Introducing Patient Voices: Access to HME Matters The VGM Government Relations team is excited to announce Patient Voices: Access to HME Matters, a new way for patients, providers, vendors, caregivers, and industry partners to share their experiences with home medical equipment. Every story matters. AAHomecare Survey Results of RID Program thumbnail AAHomecare Survey Results of RID Program Thank you to AAHomecare for initiating this important survey demonstrating the significant risks to the DMEPOS industry should Remote Item Delivery Competitive Bid Program (RID CBP) Round 2028 move forward as is. VGM Group is proud to support the survey efforts to maximize provider participation. See below for the survey summary and analysis. Competitive Bidding Update: NPEast and NPWest Updating Licensure Requirement Information for Competitive Bidding Product Categories thumbnail Competitive Bidding Update: NPEast and NPWest Updating Licensure Requirement Information for Competitive Bidding Product Categories Per the Remote Item Delivery Competitive Bidding Program (RID CBP) Round 2028 requirements, bidders must meet all business and product category licensure requirements across every state, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories to be eligible to be a contract winner. New CMS Nationwide Probationary Prior Authorization Requirement for Newly Enrolled Suppliers of Certain DMEPOS Items thumbnail New CMS Nationwide Probationary Prior Authorization Requirement for Newly Enrolled Suppliers of Certain DMEPOS Items On Sept. 2, 2026, CMS introduced the Probationary Prior Authorization (PPA) program that will place newly enrolled DMEPOS Suppliers and those undergoing 100% change in ownership on a one-year probationary period. Effective Oct. 15, impacted suppliers will be required to submit a prior authorization request for specific HCPCS codes. OIG Report Signals Increased Fraud Oversight for DMEPOS Suppliers thumbnail OIG Report Signals Increased Fraud Oversight for DMEPOS Suppliers The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently released a white paper examining ongoing Medicare fraud involving durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS).

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member