This bill, H.R. 1809 in the U.S. House of Representatives and S. 2103 in the U.S. Senate, would allow Medicare beneficiaries to receive power-operated wheelchairs or scooters from Medicare Part B if such devices are needed to go to the grocery store, keep medical appointments, take children to school, go to houses of worship, vote, and otherwise participate in their communities.

In 2006, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) established a completely arbitrary rule that it would only pay for mobility devices that were primarily used to help individuals move within their homes. As a result of this rule, many Medicare beneficiaries, young and older, are prisoners in their own homes. If the individual needs a wheelchair or scooter primarily to move around the community, it will be denied.

What is worse, this rule sets back many advances in recent years that have promoted independent and community living for individuals with disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Olmstead Supreme Court decision, and the Ticket To Work program.

United Spinal Association needs the public’s help to let the Congress know that people with disabilities should have access to wheelchairs that will help them lead healthy and independent lives—both inside and outside of their homes! Persons wishing to help can contact their Congressional representatives in support of H.R. 1809, and their U.S. Senators to push for the adoption of S. 2103. More information about advocating for the Medicare Independent Living Act of 2007, including stories from persons who have been impacted negatively by this CMS rule, may be found at www.rightwheelchair.org