February 16, 2011 is National Call-in Day for Complex Rehab Technology. If you or someone you know utilizes a complex power wheelchair, a highly configurable manual wheelchair, or adaptive seating, this is the day to call your congressman.
The current Medicare durable medical equipment benefit does not adequately distinguish complex rehab technology from the standard wheelchairs most people are used to seeing. A separate benefit category is needed to address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and medical conditions who require these complex products.
To create a separate benefit, Congress must pass legislation. Without this separate benefit, the funding for the needed products will be limited, decreasing the ability for a person with spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease to get the appropriate medical equipment.
Please consider calling your Congressman on February 16 and encourage them to sign this legislation for a separate benefit for Complex Rehab Technology.
If you know the name of your Senators and/or Representative, you can reach tem by calling the US Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and asking to be connected.
If you need to look up the name(s) of your Members of Congress, please go to www.celaadvocacy.org and enter your zip code in the box at the lower left hand corner of the home page.
You want to speak with the Health Legislative Aide, but can speak with any legislative aide or leave a detailed message if neither of the above are available.
This is a great way to make a difference for health care.
By; Diane Thomson, MS, OTR/L, ATP, Senior Occupational Therapist at
Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan
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