United Spinal Denounces Decision By CMS
New York, NY, July 31––United Spinal Association today joins its partners in the Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition in denouncing a decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to effectively deny coverage for the iBOT® 4000 Mobility System. The iBOT is an innovative new device that would greatly increase the mobility and independence of some individuals who use wheelchairs by allowing them to climb stairs, improve reach, traverse various surfaces, and balance at standing-eye level.
“We are dismayed by the CMS decision and we will continue to aggressively advocate a more rational Medicare coverage policy for innovative technologies,” said United Spinal’s Executive Director Paul J. Tobin. “United Spinal represents over 7,000 individuals with spinal cord injuries or disorders and we believe new medical devices, like the iBOT, may be able to improve the lives of many of our members. Such options should be left to the discretion of each member’s clinician, not dismissed out of hand by CMS administrators.”
Ironically, the decision followed by one day a formal Proclamation by President Bush declaring July 26th a national day of celebration of the 16th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. “On this anniversary of the ADA, we underscore our commitment to ensuring that the fundamental promises of our democracy are accessible to all our citizens,” the Proclamation states. Later in the document it notes, “In addition, we are fostering technological advancement and encouraging increased distribution of assistive technology to help people with disabilities live and work with greater independence. My Administration will continue its efforts to remove barriers confronting Americans with disabilities and their families so that every individual can realize their full potential.” The CMS coverage decision on the iBOT4000 appears to run counter to the spirit of the President’s Proclamation and its stated goal of encouraging increased access to assistive technology.
The decision is also likely to have implications that extend beyond specific access to the iBOT device. The decision could have implications for future coverage of new assistive devices and may discourage the development of other new technologies for people with disabilities.
On July 27, 2006, CMS released a final decision memorandum that would only provide coverage for the iBOT4000 as a standard power wheelchair and deny coverage for all of the iBOT’s unique functions. CMS declined to create a new benefit category for the technology and cover the iBOT4000 as a single, integrated mobility device. Since Medicare only covers the “least costly alternative” device, no Medicare beneficiary will realistically have access to the iBOT under this decision.
United Spinal Association, a national membership organization for people of all ages with spinal cord injuries or disorders, is a Steering Committee member of the ITEM (Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid) Coalition, whose purpose is to raise awareness and build support for policies that will improve access to assistive devices, technologies and related services for people of all ages with disabilities and chronic conditions. Nearly all of United Spinal’s 7,000 members need some type of wheelchair or mobility device.