ATAP has received a request from the ITEM Coalition FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION. Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Jim Ramstad (R-MN) are preparing to introduce the "Medicare Independent Living Act" . This bill will eliminate the Medicare restriction for "in the home" use that pertains to individuals with long term mobility needs. As many of you are aware, this is an "outdated" restriction on the coverage of mobility devices. In essence, if a person who has mobility problems can move around their home without a mobility device, but requires the device to go to work, school, or anywhere outside the home, this person is not eligible for a mobility device through Medicare. In preparation for the introduction of this bill in a few weeks, the Congressmen have circulated a letter to their colleagues requesting cosponsorship of the measure. The ITEM Coalition is requesting that you contact your Representative toll-free using the Capitol switchboard (1.877.224.0041) and ask he/she to become an original cosponsor of the Medicare Independent Living Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation designed to remove Medicare's unfair restriction on "in the home" usage for mobility devices. There have been many attempts at removing this restriction in the last several years. To date none have been successful. You will recall the most recent attempt last summer when CMS issued new regulations regarding the procurement and reimbursement of mobility devices. Despite numerous comments from individuals and organizations around the country recommending this elimination, CMS chose to take no action in this matter and left the restriction intact. If you have any further questions regarding this matter, please contact the ITEM Coalition directly at 202.349.4260. Thanks. This message, and any attachments, may contain confidential information and is intended only for the individual(s) named. If you are not an intended recipient you are not authorized to disseminate, distribute, or copy this email. Please notify the sender immediately if you have received this email by mistake and delete this email from your system.
