The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) opened a National Coverage Analysis (NCA) for coverage of power seat elevation systems in power wheelchairs. This review comes after more than three years of concerted efforts by individuals and organizations across the Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition, of which AAPM&R is a member.
The Coalition’s Request for Reconsideration of the National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Mobility Assistive Equipment now has a formal tracking sheet, and CMS will be accepting public comments through Wednesday, September 14. The full link to the CMS Tracking Sheet and public comment portal can be found here.
CMS is only considering the evidence for seat elevation systems at this time, unfortunately, and will be considering standing systems with a separate comment period at some point in the future. The Coalition is grateful for the opportunity to further express our support for coverage of seat elevation systems, though seriously concerned that CMS is further delaying consideration of standing systems. We will continue to press for an expeditious opening of an NCA for standing through our advocacy with Congress and the Administration.