Jerry Lewis, MDA request postponement of new Medicare policy for power wheelchairs

TUCSON, Ariz., Nov. 1 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Jerry Lewis, national chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), has asked U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt to postpone new Medicare pricing and coverage policies for power wheelchairs, citing the policies' negative impact on people with muscular dystrophy and other severe disabilities.

The new fee schedule, slated to go into effect Nov. 15, reduces Medicare reimbursement rates for power mobility devices by up to 40 percent for some wheelchairs. In addition, new eligibility requirements make it harder for people with severe and progressive disabilities to qualify for more technologically complex power wheelchairs that promote health, safety and independence.

"Although CMS' original intention was to combat fraud, CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) is itself misleading Americans by claiming that these new policies will provide appropriate power wheelchairs for all Medicare beneficiaries," Lewis said in a letter to Leavitt, a copy of which went to President Bush and each member of Congress.

He added, "We're extremely disappointed by this policy change because it's detrimental to people with disabilities. The new eligibility criteria will make it very difficult for those with progressive diseases to receive power wheelchairs equipped for their needs."

Lewis requested that implementation be delayed until the policy could be adjusted to better accommodate the needs of those with severe and progressive disabilities.

He told Leavitt that he'll be willing to travel to Washington to meet with him, the CMS or any other group that could repair the problems with the proposed policies.

"These changes are so drastic and so detrimental to "my kids" and other Americans with progressive diseases that I'm prepared to drop everything and address this issue personally," Lewis said.

Under the new policy, applicants who can transfer from bed to wheelchair by standing and pivoting, with or without assistance, won't be eligible for power wheelchairs with more than basic features. This assessment doesn't account for disease progression and fatigue, crucial factors when determining the wheelchair needs of a person with neuromuscular disease, Lewis said.

More complex features such as tilt, recline, stronger motors, custom headrests, and ability to navigate uneven terrain provide wheelchair users with more independence and safety. For instance, tilt-and-recline features assist users with self-transfers, are safer on steep inclines and help prevent pressure sores.

If chairs have fewer features needed for independence, the result may be to force people out of their homes and into long- term care facilities.

In addition, the new fee schedule places a greater financial burden on low-income people with severe disabilities and the nonprofit organizations that serve them.

Among its services for people registered with MDA, the Association provides financial help toward the purchase and repair of wheelchairs.

MDA is a voluntary health organization working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. The Association's programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.