The current situation that all wheelchair users have to face when it comes to wheelchair repairs is unacceptable.
United Spinal Association understands that having a functioning wheelchair repair system for both power wheelchair users and manual wheelchair users is fundamental to a free and fair society in which all can participate. Our advocates are focused on this issue across the nation.
United Spinal is working in coalition with disability advocacy and provider groups to drive change for commonsense bills including core provisions to protect wheelchair users. Executive Director, National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology, Wayne Grau, recently stated: “NCART and our provider and manufacturer members are committed to working with United Spinal and all consumers on Service and Repair Reform. The delays that consumers are facing are part of a multifaceted problem that the Complex Rehab industry wants to fix for all individuals using wheelchairs.”
Among the issues United Spinal is focused on are guaranteed routine maintenance coverage; (including the option of empowering wheelchair users being able to repair certain wheelchair components such as tire tubes); guardrails around the use of loaner chairs; and advocating for the use of telehealth for practitioners such as physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants as in the Expanded Telehealth Access Act, H.R. 2168.
The Expanded Telehealth Access Act would enable clinicians to assist wheelchair users virtually for those individuals who are not able to get to a clinic for a wheelchair evaluation appointment.
What’s Going on in the States
United Spinal Pennsylvania advocates are supporting semiannual wheelchair maintenance visits paid by insurers in Pennsylvania, known as the Wheelchair Quality Assurance Act, introduced by Pennsylvania State Representative Dan Miller. The Connecticut General Assembly has also been looking at this issue with ‘An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage for Motorized Wheelchairs’ which requires health insurance coverage for motorized wheelchairs, including, but not limited to, used motorized wheelchairs, motorized wheelchair repairs, and motorized wheelchair battery replacements. It also requires health insurers to establish centralized locations to collect used motorized wheelchairs.
Read more on how to find the right wheelchair.