H.R.1703 - CRT House Companion Bill To S.247 Introduced

Published in Government Relations on March 04, 2025

Last week, Representatives John Joyce (R-PA) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) introduced H.R.1703, a companion bill to Senate bill S.247. This legislation aims to clarify Medicare Part B payment rules for manual wheelchairs. 

Much like its Senate counterpart, H.R.1703 proposes the creation of two new HCPCS codes specifically for complex rehab technology (CRT) manual wheelchairs. These changes are designed to allow for equipment upgrades within the same code classification. As a result, the bill will enhance access to advanced wheelchair technologies, including lightweight carbon fiber, and titanium options. 

This initiative is particularly significant for individuals with mobility challenges, empowering them to select wheelchairs that align with their unique medical, functional, and lifestyle needs—all without increasing costs to the Medicare program. 

The introduction of H.R.1703 in the House, alongside the support of S.247 in the Senate, reflects bipartisan efforts to address accessibility and choice in mobility aids. These parallel bills strengthen the likelihood of positive legislative outcomes for the disability community. 

What can you do? 

Please reach out to your legislators, asking them to co-sponsor and support Senate bill S.247 and House bill H.R.1703. We've made it quick and easy for you to send a message to your legislators. Click here to easily send your message. 

From Our Experts

Navigating the Fast-Paced News Cycle: Key Updates for Our Industry thumbnail Navigating the Fast-Paced News Cycle: Key Updates for Our Industry As we move into the new year, the headlines are coming at us fast and furious. The constant stream of information from Washington, D.C. can be overwhelming and often confusing. Topics such as tariffs, budgets, and DOGE dominate the news, making it feel like a game of "follow the bouncing ball." Health and Human Services Confirmation and Medicaid as a Potential Target thumbnail Health and Human Services Confirmation and Medicaid as a Potential Target The Senate on Thursday helped President Donald Trump fill out his Cabinet by confirming and swearing in Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Health and Human Services Department (HHS). HHS oversees 13 separate agencies, and it has been Kennedy's position that HHS and its agencies are in need of drastic reform. What that reform might look like, the extent of which and how many HHS staff could be eliminated, and, subsequently, how that could potentially affect us in the HME industry in the near futur Congratulations to Rose Schafhauser (MAMES and SWMESA) On Winning the 2025 Van Miller Homecare Champion Award! thumbnail Congratulations to Rose Schafhauser (MAMES and SWMESA) On Winning the 2025 Van Miller Homecare Champion Award! Rose Schafhauser has been named the 2025 Van Miller Homecare Champion! Please join us in congratulating Rose on this well-deserved recognition in the industry. President Trump Pauses Implementation of Tariffs for One Month thumbnail President Trump Pauses Implementation of Tariffs for One Month On Monday, Feb. 3, President Donald Trump suspended his threat of imposing 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada at the last minute, agreeing to a one-month pause in exchange for concessions on border security and crime enforcement. Impact Of Tariffs On The DMEPOS Industry thumbnail Impact Of Tariffs On The DMEPOS Industry President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he will impose 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting Saturday, Feb. 1. Sens. Blackburn and Duckworth Introduce S.247 - Carbon Fiber/Titanium Wheelchair Upgrade Bill thumbnail Sens. Blackburn and Duckworth Introduce S.247 - Carbon Fiber/Titanium Wheelchair Upgrade Bill 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. MAMES Succeeds In Improving Coverage For Breast Pumps And Lactation Services In Nebraska thumbnail MAMES Succeeds In Improving Coverage For Breast Pumps And Lactation Services In Nebraska MAMES has successfully advocated for enhanced coverage of breast pumps and lactation services in Nebraska. Working closely with the Medicaid Director, MAMES ensured the implementation of these changes would be effective and beneficial. The new coverage aligns with other Medicaid programs in the Midwest. A Tribute to John Gallagher: A Journey of Dedication and Memories thumbnail A Tribute to John Gallagher: A Journey of Dedication and Memories When I started working for John Gallagher 12 years ago, I often heard the phrase, “baptism by fire.” I quickly learned what that meant. At the time, the team consisted of John Gallagher, Mark Higley, and Tom Powers, and they were all constantly on the road. I would get a phone call from John saying, “The ESRD was just released, look it up and write up a summary, we need to get this to our members ASAP. I'm hopping on a plane…get it out before the end of the day.”