United Spinal Association thanks the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for finally opening up a public comment period for seat elevation this week. However, we urge CMS to follow through on its promise that a comment period on standing devices will open at a later date. Click here to submit comments directly to CMS by the September 14 deadline.
“Getting Medicare to cover necessary equipment is something United Spinal has asked our lawmakers to fix for many years, including most recently at our Roll on Capitol Hill this past June,” says Alexandra Bennewith, VP, Government Relations, United Spinal. Once a year, over 100 United Spinal advocates participate in our annual Roll on Capitol Hill for advocacy training and meetings with lawmakers.
Bennewith continued, “Challenging Medicare’s antiquated coverage policies to allow for critical access to wheelchair components like seat elevation and standing devices is key to ensuring wheelchair users across the country have the freedom and right to enjoy full community integration.”
United Spinal is a steering committee member of the ITEM Coalition. For more information and talking points on seat elevation and standing devices, visit the ITEM Coalition’s Rise4Access website.
Take action here to send a quick message to your Member of Congress. We must also urge legislators to lift the in-the-home restriction that only covers mobility assistive equipment used for activities of daily living such as eating, getting dressed and bathing. We need mobility equipment that can be used both at home and in the community.
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