Bill > HR1703

This bill amends the Social Security Act to modify how Medicare pays for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs starting January 1, 2026. Specifically, the bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish two or more unique Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes for these wheelchairs, differentiating between those with bases made of titanium or carbon fiber and those without these materials. For wheelchairs with titanium or carbon fiber bases, Medicare will continue to pay suppliers in the same frequency and amount as standard wheelchair payments. However, suppliers are now allowed to charge patients the difference between the Medicare payment and the wheelchair's actual cost. To protect patients, the bill allows the Secretary to require suppliers to provide a notice informing patients of their potential financial responsibility before purchasing or renting an ultralightweight manual wheelchair. This change aims to provide more transparency and flexibility in wheelchair pricing while ensuring patients understand their potential out-of-pocket expenses.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1703/all-info