Medicaid’s future and the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ raise industry concerns, demand action from rehab technology community.
We have all witnessed the passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, as we try to understand what this will mean to the consumers utilizing Complex Rehab Technology and the CRT industry. We waited to make any comments until we knew what was in the bill, and we could speak with some confidence about what we were expecting. While there are no direct cuts to CRT, a high level of concern remains regarding any potential reduction in Medicaid funding. Historically, whenever states look to make cuts, CRT has always been on the table. We have seen some very ludicrous proposals to CRT because the legislators and regulators do not understand CRT and the value it brings to people’s lives.
We (consumers, manufacturers, suppliers, academics, clinicians and advocacy organizations) will have to follow the blueprint that was laid out when seat elevation was covered, coded and funded. ONLY by working together were we able to get this passed finally. We NEED TO WORK TOGETHER. More information will be forthcoming as we develop a plan to be ready at a moment’s notice to gather the troops and FIGHT to ensure that consumers receive all the equipment they qualify for, so they can lead their best life. More to come …
State Legislative Activity Moving Forward
Most of the state legislatures have adjourned. Several issues remain that NCART and our Government Affairs team are currently working on. The focus, however, is on 2026 and potential legislation or regulatory threats and opportunities. As stated above, there are numerous unknowns that we must consider as we develop the plan for 2026. However, rest assured, we will be ready to lead the legislative and regulatory efforts in the CRT industry.
Legislative Site Visits
One of the most impactful ways to communicate the value of CRT to legislators is to host them at your facility for a site visit. Past legislative meetings have once again proven that legislators do not understand the CRT industry or the value our members bring to the lives of individuals who utilize CRT equipment. A site visit provides an opportunity for you to educate legislators about the products, services and challenges you face in delivering CRT services to their constituents. A perfect time to host these visits is during the summer recess for both state and federal legislators.
To initiate the process, call the legislator’s office (federal or state) and request to speak with the legislator’s scheduler. The legislator has certain weeks to set aside for in-district or in-state work weeks to meet with constituents. We encourage all our members to consider a site visit. If you need materials, please don’t hesitate to contact NCART.
Washington, D.C., Legislative Fly-in
iNRRTS, NCART and US Rehab will be hosting the Washington, D.C., Legislative Fly-in on Sept. 16 and 17, 2025. Following a successful 2024 Legislative Fly-in, the CRT industry must continue to collaborate effectively with the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Numerous programs are being discussed in Washington right now, and we need to ensure that any debate on topics that may have a positive or negative impact on CRT is conducted with legislators. We encourage everyone to put a hold on these dates to add your voice to our legislative efforts.
Thank you
I am writing this one week before the anniversary of Simon Margolis’ passing. I know what an incredible person and mentor that Simon was to many who read DIRECTIONS. I got to know Simon as I began representing Pride/Quantum on the original NCART board. It was like getting a master’s degree in CRT every time we spoke. I am forever grateful to Simon and to many people who have helped me understand this incredible industry in which we work. If the measure of a person is whether they gave more than they took, then Simon was SUPERMAN. I hope to uphold that same standard. THANK YOU to all who came before us and who have shared their wisdom and experience.
Advocacy Quotes
“The best advocacy is always storytelling.” Willie Parker
“There are no better storytellers than the people who take their knowledge, create a solution, and help people live their best lives. All iNRRTS Registrants.” Wayne Grau, NCART
Wayne may be reached at wgrau@ncart.us.
Wayne Grau is the executive director of NCART. His career in the CRT industry spans more than 30 years and includes working in Rehab Industry Affairs and began working exclusively with Complex Rehab companies. Grau graduated from Baylor University with an MBA in healthcare. He’s excited to be working exclusively with CRT manufacturers, providers, and the individuals we serve who use CRT equipment.