“I support this bill, but I have a concern. It lets seniors on Medicare pay extra out of their own pockets to get lighter, better wheelchairs. I worry this only helps wealthier seniors who can afford the extra cost, instead of keeping Medicare benefits the same for everyone.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on H.R. 1703, the Choices for Increased Mobility Act. Mr. Speaker, this bill will clarify Medicare payment rules for ultra lightweight manual wheelchairs and allow Medicare beneficiaries to upgrade to wheelchairs with titanium or carbon fiber materials at their own cost. The bill would give beneficiaries the choice to select a wide range of wheelchairs. Under the bill, seniors would have the choice to acquire a wheelchair with titanium or carbon fiber materials through the Medicare program with additional out-of-pocket costs. I am glad that the bill would require suppliers to notify beneficiaries of the additional financial liability. Mr. Speaker, while I support this bill, I am concerned that the bill only helps higher income seniors who can afford to pay out of pocket for these additional upgrades beyond what is covered under the Medicare program. The universality of the Medicare program and the fact that all beneficiaries have access to the same benefits is an important principle in my opinion. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on H.R. 1703, the Choices for Increased Mobility Act. Mr. Speaker, this bill will clarify Medicare payment rules for ultra lightweight manual wheelchairs and allow Medicare beneficiaries to upgrade to wheelchairs with titanium or carbon fiber materials at their own cost. The bill would give beneficiaries the choice to select a wide range of wheelchairs. Under the bill, seniors would have the choice to acquire a wheelchair with titanium or carbon fiber materials through the Medicare program with additional out-of-pocket costs. I am glad that the bill would require suppliers to notify beneficiaries of the additional financial liability. Mr. Speaker, while I support this bill, I am concerned that the bill only helps higher income seniors who can afford to pay out of pocket for these additional upgrades beyond what is covered under the Medicare program. The universality of the Medicare program and the fact that all beneficiaries have access to the same benefits is an important principle in my opinion. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.