Skip to main content

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO

Search GO

Search GO

LEARN ABOUT VGM

Sens. Blackburn and Duckworth Introduce S.247 - Carbon Fiber/Titanium Wheelchair Upgrade Bill

Published in Government Relations on January 29, 2025

Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) have introduced the Choices for Mobility Act, S. 247. This legislation aims to improve access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs for Medicare beneficiaries.

Similar to the bill from the 118th Congress, S. 247 will create two new HCPCS codes for Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) manual wheelchairs, allowing for upgrades within a code. This will improve access to lightweight carbon fiber and titanium wheelchairs. Individuals with mobility challenges will be able to choose the wheelchair best suited to their medical, functional, and lifestyle needs and preferences, without increasing costs to the Medicare program.

Efforts to introduce a House companion bill are currently underway.

What can you do?

Please reach out to your senators to ask that they co-sponsor and support S.247. We’ve made it quick and easy for you to send a message to your senators asking for support of this bill. Click here to message your Senators asking for their support for S.247.

From Our Experts

Meet the Candidates: Rep. Ashley Hinson Visits VGM During U.S. Senate Campaign thumbnail

Meet the Candidates: Rep. Ashley Hinson Visits VGM During U.S. Senate Campaign Waterloo, Iowa — On Wednesday, VGM Group welcomed employees, local DME suppliers, and community guests for the latest installment of its Meet the Candidates series. The featured guest was Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA), who currently represents Iowa's 2nd Congressional District and is now running for the U.S. Senate following Sen. Joni Ernst's decision not to seek reelection in 2026.

Grassroots Accountability Program Wants YOU! Become a DMEPOS Advocate thumbnail

Grassroots Accountability Program Wants YOU! Become a DMEPOS Advocate Are you interested in politics or curious about how government really works behind the scenes The Grassroots Accountability Program (GAP) is a great opportunity to expand your civic knowledge, build meaningful relationships with your state and federal legislators, and make a direct impact on the future of the DMEPOS industry.

CMS Issues FAQ On DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail

CMS Issues FAQ On DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a DMEPOS CBP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) providing clarification on several points of the next round.

Medicare Advantage Plans Are in Flux: What Providers Should Know thumbnail

Medicare Advantage Plans Are in Flux: What Providers Should Know As reported by HME News WASHINGTON – Medicare Advantage (MA) plans will face new restrictions in 2026 that could force insurers to rethink their business models, according to payer relations experts. While these changes don't directly impact home medical equipment (HME) providers today, they could influence future plan design and reimbursement strategies.

BOC Reinstated As Approved Accrediting Organization thumbnail

BOC Reinstated As Approved Accrediting Organization As reported by HME News: Court grants company's motion for temporary restraining order against CMS OWINGS Mills, MD.—The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) has been reinstated as an approved accrediting organization (AO) in all but four states, the company has announced. Click here to read the full article from HME News. The federal court has granted a temporary restraining order (“TRO”) in favor of BOC…thereby restoring BOC as an accrediting organization in all states except N

DMEPOS Bills Gaining Momentum thumbnail

DMEPOS Bills Gaining Momentum Fresh off a great House Energy & Commerce Health Sub-Committee hearing, now is the perfect time to reach out to your representative(s) and ask them to support the DMEPOS Relief Act, H.R. 2005; Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025, H.R. 1703; and the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act of 2025, H.R. 2902.

CMS Changes Competitive Bid Program Impacting Contracts and Bid Submission Requirements for Financial Documentation – What Providers Need to Know thumbnail

CMS Changes Competitive Bid Program Impacting Contracts and Bid Submission Requirements for Financial Documentation – What Providers Need to Know The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) changes to the DMEPOS Competitive Bid Program as outlined in CMS-1828-F will reshape how suppliers prepare bids, qualify for contracts, and manage operational readiness. For DME suppliers, understanding both the changes to the contract awards and the bid submission is essential to understanding and preparing for the next bidding cycle.

Meet The Candidates: VGM Hosts Rep. Randy Feenstra, Iowa Gubernatorial Candidate thumbnail

Meet The Candidates: VGM Hosts Rep. Randy Feenstra, Iowa Gubernatorial Candidate Waterloo, Iowa – On Monday, VGM Group welcomed employees and local guests for another installment of its Meet The Candidates series. The featured guest was Rep. Randy Feenstra, current Congressman for Iowa's 4th District and a strong supporter of DMEPOS legislation.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member