Nov. 1, 2006
Secretary Michael Leavitt
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington D.C. 20201
Dear Secretary Leavitt,
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ new
pricing and coverage policies for power mobility devices
are a gross disservice to those who rely on power wheelchairs
for their health, independence and quality of life.
On behalf of the thousands of individuals with muscle-wasting
diseases served by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, I
strongly urge a postponement of the Nov. 15 implementation
of these policies, so that their serious flaws can be repaired.
Although CMS’ original intention was to combat fraud,
CMS is itself misleading Americans by claiming these new
policies will provide appropriate power wheelchairs for
all Medicare recipients, especially those with severe disabilities.
The new eligibility criteria will make it very difficult
for those with progressive diseases to receive power wheelchairs
equipped for their needs.
The criteria don’t take into account the steadily
progressive weakening and fatigue that are the hallmarks
of many disorders, including neuromuscular diseases. Medicare
will be paying for chairs that will be useless to their
users in a relatively short time. In addition, complex power
wheelchairs, offering features like tilt-in-space and recline,
help users stay healthier and perform more functions independently.
For many individuals, a less complex wheelchair will create
a greater risk of illness and injury; they’ll need
more outside assistance –- including perhaps assisted
living.
In addition, the new fee schedule dramatically slashes
reimbursement for complex power mobility devices by up to
40 percent. This not only harms wheelchair vendors, but
also puts a greater financial burden on low-income people
with severe disabilities and the nonprofit organizations
that serve them.
The solution to these issues is to postpone the implementation
of the new reimbursement and coverage policies, and to make
adjustments that better serve the needs of those with severe
disabilities. In order to accomplish this, I’m prepared
to travel to Washington to meet with you, the CMS or anyone
else whom you deem appropriate.
I ask this in the name of “my kids” and all
those living with progressive disability and disease. Thank
you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jerry Lewis
MDA National Chairman
cc: President George W. Bush
Members of the U.S. Senate
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives