On November 15, 2006, Medicare plans to implement several changes to its mobility device benefit that will prevent access to high functioning power wheelchairs the types of power wheelchairs often required by individuals with long-term disabilities and chronic conditions.

TELL YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS: These Policy Changes Must Be Rescinded To Protect Access to Important Mobility Devices For People with Disabilities!

Call your members of Congress toll-free at 1-877-224-0041 and ask them to:

• Press Medicare to rescind the new power wheelchairs coverage policy (LCD) and seriously examine the impact of these reimbursement cuts on individuals requiring high-functioning, Group 3 wheelchairs.
• Support legislation to eliminate Medicares "in the home" restriction on mobility devices (S. 3677/H.R. 5983). Without enactment of this important legislation, Medicare will continue to utilize this discriminatory coverage restriction which prevents access to appropriate mobility devices for people with disabilities.

For your reference, a recent letter from the ITEM Coalition Steering Committee to HHS Secretary Leavitt regarding the LCD and reimbursement changes for power mobility devices. http://www.aapd.com/News/medicare/downloads/PMDrevLCD.pdf

Please contact Emily Niederman with any questions at the ITEM Coalition at (202)349-4260.