March 14, 2023•Advocacy Matters
Public Comment Needed on Seat Elevation Systems as an Accessory to Group 3 Power Wheelchairs
Public Comment Needed on Seat Elevation Systems as an Accessory to Group 3 Power Wheelchairs
Disability Matters with Joyce Bender
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
#AdvocacyMatters Segment
Public Comment Needed on Seat Elevation Systems as an Accessory to Group 3 Power Wheelchairs
The Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) is seeking public comment on a potentially significant independent living change for certain power wheelchairs.
A seat elevation system permits an individual with a disability to independently raise or lower their wheelchair. The system improves independence such as making it safer to transfer from one place to another, allowing disabled people to talk to another person eye-to-eye, realigning the body, and reaching higher for activities of daily living.
Currently, CMS does not cover power seat elevation equipment for individuals with a Group 3 power wheelchair because the system is “not primarily medical in nature.”
CMS is now seeking public comment on the benefit change. Public feedback is necessary from the disability community to make sure CMS finalizes this decision.
#AdvocacyMatters
Your advocacy is needed. The deadline for public comment is Friday, March 17, 2023. Let us let CMS know that we endorse access to seat elevation systems for Medicare beneficiaries.
We have made it easy to submit your public comments. Just visit www.disabilityrightspa.org and click on today’s #AdvocacyMatters segment. At the bottom of the page, you will find links to CMS information on the proposed change and a link that will take you directly to the public comment page.
Remember, the deadline to submit your public comment is Friday, March 17.
Links
CMS Press Release
Center for Medicare Advocacy Statement
https://medicareadvocacy.org/wheelchair-seat-elevation-systems-should-be-covered-by-medicare/
CMS Medicare Coverage Database Explanation
Public Comment Link