CRT industry focuses on the consumer
As we work to bring about positive changes for the Complex Rehab Technology industry, the focus should always be on what is best for the CRT consumer. Â The issues we face as an industry stem from the access challenges our members face in caring for their consumers.
Access can be denied in different ways:
- Outright denial of coverage by a specific payer for a specific product or product category.
- Non-defined coverage criteria that lead to misinterpretations of the medical requirements, resulting in excessive denials for new equipment.
- Inadequate reimbursement that does not cover the cost of the equipment.
All of these are items that our members and the customers we serve are facing today. The National Coalition for Assistive & Rehab Technology continues to fight battles for access so that consumers can receive what they need to lead their best lives.
Partnering to effect change
The CRT industry accounts for a small share of the durable medical equipment spend and a minuscule share of overall health care spending in the United States each year. This presents a challenge as we work to educate our legislators, as they are unaware of the issues affecting our consumers.
We are facing several challenges in 2026, and we must partner with the consumers to ensure they maintain their access to the proper complex rehab equipment and services. We have done this in the past as we all worked together to gain coverage for power seat elevation. Â By working together and educating legislators, regulators and payers, we created an incredible benefit for consumers. This is the blueprint for the future, and one we will be called upon to utilize in 2026. A partnership with consumers is the best way for us to protect access for everyone.
Preparation for the unknown
As the holidays approach, we are beginning to look ahead to 2026 and plan our focus for next year. We know one thing: There is a lot of uncertainty ahead, but we are not sitting idly by. Industry participants have been meeting to identify threats to access and funding posed by the proposed Medicaid cuts.
We are developing tools and resources for all CRT industry members to utilize to push back on changes to Medicaid rules. NCART will update our public-facing website to make these resources available to everyone. We will be making many announcements over the next few months to highlight resources, issues and educational pieces that will assist you and your consumers in advocating for and protecting CRT. We are all in this together, and we need to work together!
Thank You
I want to take this opportunity to thank all the rehab technicians who go out each day to address consumers’ service needs. I have worked on CRT chairs in my past, and until you have turned a wrench or two, you can’t really appreciate the complicated process that it takes to fix CRT wheelchairs. Our rehab technicians not only need technical skills but also need to be good people with a great attitude to provide excellent customer service. We want to thank them for all they do and make sure they get the recognition they deserve. THANK YOU.
Advocacy Quotes
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” – Barack Obama
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.