H.R 1703 Passes Energy & Commerce Committee by Unanimous Vote

On May 21, the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed H.R. 1703, The Choices for Increased Mobility Act, by a 45-0 vote. This bipartisan legislation would allow Medicare beneficiaries to access manual wheelchairs constructed with carbon fiber and titanium materials with minimal government financial commitment.

H.R. 1703, and its Senate companion bill (S. 247) were among the DME priorities promoted at AAHomecare’s Washington Legislative Conference last week, where advocates met with more than 200 Congressional offices, including 23 meetings with members of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Thanks to our members who made the case for this legislation and addressed other important challenges for our industry on Capitol Hill last week. We also appreciate NCART's help in building support for H.R. 1703 through their well-timed CRT Expo on Capitol Hill last week. AAHomecare and NCART members were also in attendance at the Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee mark-up of H.R. 1703 last week (pictured below).

The strong support from the Energy & Commerce Committee helps position language from H.R. 1703 for inclusion in a larger-scope legislative vehicle down the road.

See our issue brief on H.R. 1703 and S. 247 for more information.