by Helen Russon

One of the worst things about MS is its unpredictability. Although we’ve witnessed marvelous medical breakthroughs, none of us knows the course our disease will follow. But for those of us who require assistive technology (such as specialized wheelchairs and scooters), there is good news—major improvements in these devices allow us to live much more independently. And these devices are covered by Medicare. And then there’s the other news:What happens when we want to go outside?

Incredible as it sounds, Medicare will not cover the use of this equipment when it (and we) leave home to work, visit friends, shop—to participate in our community. That’s because Medicare is currently hamstrung by a 40 year old provision—designed mostly for the elderly—which didn’t anticipate equipment evolving to the point where we could be so mobile. And since 25% of us depend on Medicare, this issue has become very personal indeed.

In March at the Public Policy Conference, we advocated for a change to this antiquated section of the Medicare law. The Ensuring Access to Complex Rehabilitative Technology (CRT) Actwould create a separate category for this kind of equipment. Not only would the “stay at home” provision be removed, it would also require CRT suppliers to be accredited by an independent organization and have qualified staff to service and repair beneficiaries’ CRT products. In addition, a licensed physical or occupational therapist with no financial relationship to the CRT supplier must provide a thorough evaluation before the device will be covered.

Not surprisingly, this bill has bipartisan support in the House and Senate (what a concept!). With so many unanswered questions surrounding the more severe forms of this disease, it’s nice to come across an improvement that is so stunningly simple.

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