On Thursday, July 29, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a permanent exemption for CRT manual wheelchair accessories from the bidding-derived pricing. This industry win comes from years of advocacy to improve long-term patient access to these items!
What to Expect with the New CRT Provisions
When CMS published their Fiscal Year 2022 Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System Final Rule (CMS-1748-F), it outlined three key points regarding fee schedule adjustments.
#1 Items with a Group 3 or Higher Connection for Complex Rehabilitative Power Wheelchairs
CMS is placing the final touches on a fee schedule adjustment with information from the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program (CBP). The adjustment will include:
- Seat and back cushions
- Seating systems
- Wheelchair accessories
#2 Items in Connection with Complex Rehabilitative Manual Wheelchairs
CMS will extend the fee schedule adjustment exclusion to:
- Seat and back cushions
- Seating systems
- Wheelchair accessories
#3 Modifying the Definition of “Item” Under the DMEPOS CBP
Currently, CMS is modifying the regulatory definition of “item” under the DMEPOS CBP at 42 CFR 414.402. It’ll exclude the below items when furnished in connection with the wheelchairs from DMEPOS CBP. Which is required by section 106(a) of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020.
- Complex rehabilitative manual wheelchairs
- Certain other manual wheelchairs
- Related accessories
Support from Patient Advocacy Groups
Thank you to all the advocacy leaders who worked tirelessly to guarantee that the full scope of CRT wheelchairs and accessories are provided to patients and aren’t part of the bidding program.
- ITEM Coalition
- Mobility Community Advocacy Leaders
- NCART Partners
- United Spinal Association
- Representatives and Senators who provided support
- Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.)
- Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.)
- Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.)
- Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio)
Thank you, AAHomecare, for providing the DME industry with this update in your July 30 email.
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