Bill > S247

This bill amends the Social Security Act to improve the Medicare payment system for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs starting January 1, 2026. Specifically, the bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create separate Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs based on their base construction material, such as distinguishing between wheelchairs with titanium or carbon fiber bases and those without. When a Medicare beneficiary purchases or rents an ultralightweight wheelchair with a titanium or carbon fiber base, the payment to the supplier will be made at the standard Medicare rate. However, the supplier is allowed to charge the individual the difference between the Medicare payment and the actual cost of the wheelchair. To protect beneficiaries, the bill allows the Secretary to require suppliers to provide a notice to individuals before purchase, informing them of their potential out-of-pocket expenses. This legislation aims to provide more transparency and flexibility in wheelchair procurement for Medicare recipients while ensuring fair compensation for suppliers.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/247/all-info