UNITED SPINAL ASSOCIATION

Health Issues

United Spinal Association supports HR 3932 / S 2076 The Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Up surging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act. Signed onto letter to Sen. Schumer and Sen. McConnell asking to extend coverage for telehealth services under Medicare to continue for another 2 years following the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). Support increased funding for SCI Model Systems via NIDILRR funding. Support catheter coding reform Support Medicare coverage of seat elevation and standing devices in poweer wheelchairs and support regulation to lift the 'in-the-home' restriction on Medicare coverage of wheelchairs. Support the H.R. 4040, the Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act." Financial Assistance for complex rehab technology wheelchair manufacturers and wheelchair service providers to encourage federal financial assistance to address unsustainable cost increases CRT suppliers have incurred over the past two years to allow them to maintain critical access to CRT and the supporting services for people with disabilities. CRT providers and manufacturers have incurred significant operating challenges and increased expenses over the past two years. Supports increaed funding for home and community-based services. To increase health outcomes, safety and accessibility,on August 3, United Spinal, a member of the Steering Committee of the ITEM Coalition, participated in a virtual roundtable discussion on Medicare coverage of seat elevation and standing systems used in power wheelchairs hosted by the National Council on Disability. United Spinal also submitted comments to NCD on the need for Medicare coverage. On 9.14.22, United Spinal GR Staff presented at and United Spinal, as Steering Committee member of the ITEM Coalition, co-hosted an ITEM Coalition Congressional Briefing on Medicare Coverage of Seat Elevation and Standing Systems in Power Wheelchairs. It featured remarks from Members of Congress, wheelchair users advocates and clinicians. United Spinal, as a member of the ITEM Coalition, advocated for members of Congress to sign on to hosue and Senate Dear Colleague letters to support Medicare Coverage of Seat Elevation and Standing Systems in Power Wheelchairs. Submitted comments to CMS National Coverage Analysis to urge for Medicare coverage of seat elevation in power wheelchairs and to urge for Medicare coverage of standindg devices systems in power wheelchairs. Submitted comments to HHS to ensure non-discrimination protections for people with disabilities under Section 1557. Support H.R. 8746 "Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Act" or three hour rule bill. Endorsed a Colaiton to Preserv Rehabilitation comment letter for Calendar Year (CY) 2023 Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule. This letter focuses on two main provisions in the rule, in line with past CPR comment letters (in particularly our comments on the CY 2021 Proposed Rule). 1.The impact of proposed reimbursement cuts that will potentially impact patient access to care; and 2.The treatment of telehealth as the federal government prepares for the expiration of the public health emergency.