Help Pass Legislation to Strengthen Consumer Access to Titanium and Carbon Fiber Wheelchairs
H.R. 5371 establishes a HCPCS code for ultralight manual wheelchairs constructed with with titanium or carbon fiber materials
Legislation to allow Medicare beneficiaries greater access to titanium or carbon fiber wheelchairs has been approved by the House Energy & Commerce Committee – and it needs your support for passage before the 118th Congress wraps up at the end of this year.
Mobility and CRT suppliers are encouraged to reach out now to their member of the House of Representatives to ask for their support in passing the Choices for Increased Mobility Act (H.R. 5371) this year. With upcoming elections shortening the Fall legislative calendar on Capitol Hill, a strong grassroots push is needed to move the legislation forward.
Messages & Tips
Who to Contact – If you don't already have a relationship with your legislators' staff, call their DC offices and ask for the name and email of
the staffer who handles healthcare issues.
Main Messages - Please put these ideas in your own words for maximum impact.
- New legislation that would allow individuals with mobility challenges to benefit from advances in wheelchair technology has been introduced in the House of Representatives.
H.R. 5371 will provide better access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs for Medicare beneficiaries, and would also improve access for individuals covered under plans
that follow Medicare policy and coding.
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Access to lightweight carbon fiber and titanium wheelchairs will allow individuals who require this technology the choice of wheelchair that is best suited for their medical,
functional, and lifestyle needs and preferences.
- The legislation directs CMS to establish new HCPCS codes for ultralight manual wheelchairs, including a separate code for ones with titanium or carbon fiber.
- This legislation passed the House Energy & Commerce Committee in December of 2023.
- Please co-sponsor this bill and work with House leadership to enact H.R. 5371 or to include its provisions in another legislative package this year.
Include Your Experiences – Talk about your company's work supporting patients who use wheelchairs and the potential benefits and improved quality of life that titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs provide.
No Senate Outreach Needed at This Time
Similar Senate legislation is currently being drafted. We will keep you updated on timing for introduction and when you can contact your Senators to ask that they
co-sponsor the measure.
Additional Contact and Messaging Assistance is Available
Please contact Gordon Barnes at gordonb@aahomecare.org for assistance finding contact info for Representative's healthcare
staffer, help in drafting your email, or responding to any questions/comments you get from staffers.
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