Historic Policy Victory on the Horizon for
Power Wheelchair Users
How We Can Make Proposed
Seat Elevation Policy Reform a Reality
We are on the brink of a first-time expansion of coverage by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to include power seat elevation equipment on certain power wheelchairs. The proposed decision released last week is a huge milestone—but we are not done yet.
Thank you to all of you who have helped us get to this point after so many years of advocating on this critical issue. Let’s make this proposed decision final!
We need your voice to help secure Medicare coverage for critical wheelchair technology. CMS wants to hear from you—here’s how you can help.
Are you a wheelchair user?
Medicare wants to hear from YOU!
Take action by March 17, 2023.
We need to show Medicare that wheelchair users and people with disabilities strongly support this coverage and urge Medicare to go even further to ensure that all those who need access to these systems can get it. As you know, these systems are vital for wheelchair users to be able to:
- Safely transfer from a wheelchair to another surface, particularly if it is not level with your chair
- Increase your reach to access higher surfaces across the home
- Prevent and reduce stress injuries from repetitive transfers and reaching
- Function independently at home as much as possible
- Describe that seat elevation is needed for functional reach in your home
CMS is currently accepting public comments through Friday, March 17 before they finalize their decision on coverage for power seat elevation systems. Please share your story and let Medicare know how you could or do benefit from these technologies. Submit your comment here.
Take the Fight to Social Media
Consider spreading the word about the ITEM Coalition’s great resource on this issue with language like: Let’s #Rise4Access! Medicare needs to hear from you to finalize coverage for seat elevation systems in power wheelchairs. How does seat elevation help you live your daily life? #ShareYourStory and tell Medicare to cover these systems. Visit rise4access.org for more information.
United Spinal’s advocates have been there from the beginning. Share United Spinal’s reporting on this major victory and raise awareness with your networks.
*****
Advocates Express Fear and Rage at
Latest Wheelchair User’s Death-by-Airline
The family of Gaby Assouline is suing Southwest Airlines for not assisting her. Gaby’s death is the latest in the airline industry’s long track record of broken equipment and bodies. Read more about Gaby’s story—and learn how you can join the fight against this longstanding and intolerable situation.
*****
Black Disability History & the Present
Take a moment to dive into this thinkpiece by Luticha André Doucette about the relationship between racism and ableism—and how we can undo racism in our own community. This timely intervention makes important proposals about how we can center the concerns of Black people with disabilities and promote the leadership of Black activists and advocates in our organizations.
*****
