Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2026
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Official Summary
Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025 This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish specific billing codes under Medicare for certain materials used in ultralightweight manual wheelchairs. Specifically, the CMS must establish at least two billing codes for the base of the wheelchair, with at least one code for a base with titanium or carbon fiber construction material and at least one code for a base without these materials. Suppliers receive the same payment under Medicare for these wheelchairs as would otherwise apply, but may bill beneficiaries for any difference between the payment and the actual charge for the wheelchair. The CMS may require suppliers to inform beneficiaries of their potential financial liability in these cases.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™The Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2026 directs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to create specific Medicare billing codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs. The bill mandates at least two billing codes: one for wheelchair bases made with titanium or carbon fiber, and another for bases without these materials. Medicare payments to suppliers remain unchanged, but suppliers may bill beneficiaries for any cost difference beyond Medicare reimbursement. CMS may require suppliers to notify beneficiaries about their potential out-of-pocket expenses.
This bill aims to improve Medicare billing clarity for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs by establishing distinct codes based on construction materials, potentially affecting beneficiary costs and supplier billing practices.
- CMS must establish at least two Medicare billing codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchair bases, distinguishing between titanium/carbon fiber and other materials.
- Medicare payment amounts to suppliers remain consistent with current rates despite new billing codes.
- Suppliers can bill beneficiaries for any charges exceeding Medicare payments and may be required to inform beneficiaries of these potential costs.
['Medicare beneficiaries who require ultralightweight manual wheelchairs', 'Suppliers and manufacturers of ultralightweight manual wheelchairs', 'Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) through clearer billing structures']
['Beneficiaries may face additional out-of-pocket expenses if suppliers charge above Medicare payment rates.', 'Implementation requires CMS to develop and manage new billing codes and oversight mechanisms.', 'Potential administrative burden on suppliers to inform beneficiaries about financial liabilities.']
The bill was introduced in the House during the 119th Congress and has been received in the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Finance. It addresses a specific aspect of Medicare billing within the health policy area, focusing on improving billing transparency and options for mobility devices.
Hidden impact flags detected: 2
GovScope reviewed 2 policy-risk categories. Hover for a quick definition. Click detected flags for bill-specific details.
['Potential increase in beneficiary awareness of wheelchair costs due to supplier notification requirements.', 'Possible market differentiation between wheelchair types based on material due to distinct billing codes.', 'Suppliers might adjust pricing strategies knowing beneficiaries could be billed for cost differences.']
The bill's transparency provisions regarding beneficiary financial liability are important for oversight. Monitoring how CMS implements the new billing codes and enforces supplier notification requirements will be critical to ensure beneficiaries are adequately informed and protected from unexpected costs. The absence of full bill text limits detailed analysis of enforcement and oversight mechanisms.
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