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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is going to a competitive bidding process for durable medical equipment. This means that the supplier with the lowest bid will get the job. Overall it is a good practice, but many in the disability community believe it will be extremely detrimental to persons who need complex rehab mobility devices and wheelchairs that address the specific needs of an individual.
HR 2231 will exempt complex mobility devices paid for under Medicare from competitive bidding. Complex mobility devices include wheelchairs that tilt and recline, specialized seating or trunk support, and other specially-designed aids for daily living. Rep. Betty Sutton of the Lorain area has signed on to this bill as a co-sponsor.
Please call, email or write your Congressional Representative and let them know why these mobility devices often need to be custom made for the individual with the disability---and why restricting payment to the lowest bidder may not include what the person needs to function.
Check out http://www.complexrehab.org/ for more information. The website has a section that will enable you to send an email to your Representative.
Please contact Deborah Nebel (216-696-2716) if you have taken action and let her know if you receive a response from your representative.
Thank you in advance for your advocacy.
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