Legislative Session begins anew
The United States Congress has begun its new session (two years), and many changes have occurred. The Republicans now control the Senate with a DME industry friend- Sen. John Thune from South Dakota as the new Senate majority leader. Former Senate Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer- (D-NY) will take over as the minority leader. The Republicans will retain control of the House of Representatives, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) will remain the Speaker of the House (with a very thin margin), and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) will be the Democratic leader. There were a lot of members who either retired or left to seek a new office at the federal or state level. What remains the same is the education and outreach that Complex Rehab Suppliers and Manufacturers will need to ensure that members of Congress on both sides understand our issues. We have an aggressive agenda planned for 2025/26, and we will share that agenda with the industry very shortly.
Power Standing Update
NCART continues to work with the ITEM Coalition to have CMS open up the NCD for power standing. We have also continued to work with clinicians, academics, and physicians to gain additional medical documentation to support the NCD. We simply ask to have our day to prove to CMS that power standing is medically necessary and should be provided to those who qualify.
We have updated the website and continue to seek to expand our support from the consumer, clinician, and physician groups. Our legislative champions remain primarily intact, with Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) leading the efforts in the Senate. We did lose a friend in Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), who supported the CRT industry for many years. Many friends in the House of Representatives maintained their seats, and we will once again be working with this group in 2025.
Consumer Choice Bill Update – Titanium and Composite MWC
In the last session, the industry gained support from Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) & Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who introduced S 5154, a Senate companion bill to HR 5371, which was introduced by Rep. John Joyce (R-PA). With a new Congress, we must seek out leaders for this issue again. We have already begun the work to gain support, and we continue looking for a legislative path to help us get this over the finish line.
This bill will help consumers choose the type of manual wheelchair that will fit their specific needs. This bill is also budget-neutral, which means that the American taxpayer will be protected and will not have to pay any additional funds once the bill is passed. We believe in allowing consumers choice so they can make the best medical decision for themselves and their families.
Thank you
I want to take this opportunity to thank all the NCART and iNRRTS board members. Our organizations are managed and overseen by an incredible group of dedicated professionals from different backgrounds and companies. Every organization must have a strong board and executive committee to help us meet the challenges we face today and plan for the organization’s and this industry’s success in the future. Participating on the board or the committees that serve our organizations offers no compensation. We rely on dedicated individuals who want to ensure that the CRT industry and the incredible people we serve will always be protected so we can ensure that patients receive the proper equipment so they may lead their lives, whichever way they choose. For everything you do for NCART, iNRRTS, and our patients, we say THANK YOU!!
Advocacy Quotes
“If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” — Maya Angelou
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 Complex Rehab Manufacturers, Providers, and the individuals we serve who use CRT equipment.
