Date: Monday, May 20, 2013
Category: General

Senators Chuck Shumer (D-NY) and Thad Cochran (R-MS) have joined a bipartisan introduction of Senate Bill S. 948, the "Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2013."

S. 948 creates a separate benefit category for Complex Rehab Techology (CRT) within the Medicare program so that adequate access to these critical products and supporting services can be assured. The legislation appropriately distinguishes these specialized products and makes other required changes, including increasing related standards and safeguards, to better address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and medical conditions who rely on CRT to meet their medical needs and maximize their function and independence. 

The legislation is a companion bill to House Bill H.R. 942, which was introduced in March 2013 with bipartisan support by Congressmen Joe Crowley (D-NY) and Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI). 

"We are honored and grateful to have these two well respected Senators introduce CRT legislation. This bill will protect the needs of people with disabilities and now that we have legislation introduced in both the House and the Senate we look forward to continuing to create awareness of CRT issues and securing additional co-sponsors and passage," said Don Clayback, Separate Benefit Category Steering Committee Chair and head of NCART, the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology. 

RESNA is a member of the Separate Benefit Category Committee, along with NCART, NRRTS, AA Homecare, United Spinal Association, the Clinician Task Force, and many others. For more information, visit the coalition's website at www.access2crt.org.