A senate committee must act next: committee consideration.
Legislative Progress
Senate
House
President
Law
Could go either way
This bill has strong bipartisan support and addresses a specific healthcare need, but it still needs to move through the committee process.
Key Points
This bill changes how Medicare handles payments for high-end manual wheelchairs made of titanium or carbon fiber. These materials are much lighter than standard metal, which makes it easier for people to move around and stay active.
Starting in 2026, the government would create new billing codes for these specific materials. This helps the Medicare system tell the difference between basic lightweight chairs and these more advanced, expensive models.
Medicare will pay its standard amount for a lightweight wheelchair. If a patient wants the more expensive titanium or carbon fiber version, they are allowed to pay the extra cost themselves to get the better equipment.
To protect people from unexpected bills, the government can require suppliers to provide a written notice. This notice must explain exactly how much extra the patient will have to pay before they agree to the purchase or rental.
This change aims to give people with disabilities more options for their mobility. Using lighter equipment can help prevent long-term injuries to a person's shoulders and arms that often come from pushing heavier chairs.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
2 milestones2 actions
Jan 24, 2025Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Jan 24, 2025
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
