Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Marsha Blackburn
Introduced
Summary
Creates separate Medicare billing codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchair bases. It would direct the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to set at least two Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes for wheelchair bases, including a code for titanium or carbon fiber frames, and to spell out payment and beneficiary-notice rules.
Show full summary
- Medicare beneficiaries who need ultralightweight manual wheelchairs could face extra out-of-pocket charges if suppliers charge more than Medicare pays. The bill allows the Secretary to require suppliers to warn beneficiaries about that potential liability.
- Suppliers would receive the same Medicare payment that would otherwise apply for these wheelchairs but may bill patients for any gap between Medicare’s payment and the supplier’s actual charge.
- CMS would have to establish at least two HCPCS codes that distinguish bases with titanium or carbon fiber from other materials and apply these rules to wheelchairs furnished on or after January 1, 2026.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Higher costs for some Medicare wheelchairs
If enacted, this bill would require HHS to create separate HCPCS codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchair bases starting January 1, 2026. It would separate bases that use titanium or carbon fiber from those that do not. For wheelchairs with titanium or carbon fiber bases, Medicare would pay the supplier under the usual Part B rules, but the supplier could charge you the difference between Medicare's payment and their actual price. The Secretary could also require suppliers to give you a notice before purchase or rental about possible extra costs.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Marsha Blackburn
TN • R
Cosponsors
Tammy Duckworth
IL • D
Sponsored 1/24/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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