Monthly Update Released by NCART in NCART News

Published in Government Relations and Regulatory Assistance on November 03, 2023

Here is some of what you might have missed in this months NCART news. 


NCART Board Discuss CRT Advocacy Priorities for 2024

NCART Board of DirectorsNCART operates under the direction of an experienced Board of Directors with representatives from small, medium, and large CRT providers and manufacturers.

Our Board of Directors met in Nashville, TN this month to plan for CRT advocacy priorities in 2024.

To learn more about the NCART Board of Directors, click below.

NCART BOARD OF DIRECTORS


Advocacy in Action

We have often said that CRT advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint. Positive outcomes require consistent outreach from our community and strong relationships with Congress and other policymakers.

During the recent Congressional CRT Product Expo, we were able to provide education and insight to policy influencers and communicate the need for support to enhance and ensure access to CRT for individuals with disabilities.

We look forward to continuing to work together to pursue meaningful change and create lasting improvements for CRT access! 

Product Expo Video


CRT Repair Reform Strategy Development

Reform StrategyNCART and our members believe that multifaceted reform is necessary to support reliable, professional repair services for Complex Rehab Technology. Earlier this month, an industry workgroup convened in Arlington, VA to discuss needed action in 2024. 

We have been making progress and will continue to lead efforts alongside state associations, consumer advocacy organizations, legislators, agencies, and others to advocate for changes that improve access. For more details on CRT Repair Reform, click the button below

LEARN MORE

From Our Experts

CMS Public Meeting - Seat Elevation Coding and Reimbursement thumbnail CMS Public Meeting - Seat Elevation Coding and Reimbursement Earlier this month CMS announced preliminary recommendations for coding and pricing of power seat elevation systems. The preliminary decision can be read here. NCART: Medicaid Reimbursement Raises Needed for Complex Rehab Technology thumbnail NCART: Medicaid Reimbursement Raises Needed for Complex Rehab Technology NCART is urging state Medicaid programs to raise their reimbursement rates for Complex Rehab Technology (CRT). [Breaking News] CMS Announces a Huge Win for Power Seat Elevation thumbnail [Breaking News] CMS Announces a Huge Win for Power Seat Elevation the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has determined that power seat elevation equipment on Medicare-covered power wheelchairs (PWCs) falls within the benefit category for durable medical equipment (DME). Washington Governor Sign SB 5218 to Remove Sales Tax From CRT Equipment thumbnail Washington Governor Sign SB 5218 to Remove Sales Tax From CRT Equipment On May 4 in Olympia, Washington, Governor Jay Inslee signed SB 5218 into effect. This bill exempts complex rehab technology (CRT) equipment from sales tax, making it more accessible and affordable for those in need of it. CMS Opens Comment Period for Power Seat Elevation Coverage thumbnail CMS Opens Comment Period for Power Seat Elevation Coverage Last week, CMS announced the opening of a comment period relating to the request for Medicare coverage of power seat elevation systems used with complex power wheelchairs. Senate Dear Colleague Letter on Power Seat Elevation and Standing Systems Begins to Circulate thumbnail Senate Dear Colleague Letter on Power Seat Elevation and Standing Systems Begins to Circulate Please reach out to your representatives to ask them to sign the Dear Colleague Letters, which request that CMS advance Medicare coverage for power seat elevation system and urge them to promptly move forward with the process for power standing systems. U.S. Rehab and VGM Government Relations Attend Congressional Briefing in Washington D.C. thumbnail U.S. Rehab and VGM Government Relations Attend Congressional Briefing in Washington D.C. Wednesday, Sept. 14, was a momentous day of advocating for CRT and other key legislative issues. Greg Packer and Tom Powers spent time in Washington D.C. attending the NCART/NRRTS Virtual Congressional Fly-In and a congressional briefing on power seating and standing systems for power wheelchairs. CMS Final HCPCS Coding Decision for Seat Elevation thumbnail CMS Final HCPCS Coding Decision for Seat Elevation The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently released the final rule regarding seat elevation. Unfortunately, it was not the outcome we had hoped for, or expected.