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Campaign Unavailable We're sorry, this alert is no longer available. If you would like to learn more about ways you can take action, please visit ITEM Coalition.The short explanation of this alert was: Currently, Medicare only provides coverage for mobility devices that are necessary for use inside a beneficiary’s home. In other words, Medicare will grant coverage for a wheelchair or “scooter” that a person needs in order to brush their hair or cook their dinner, but will not provide them with a device if they need it to get to their physician’s office, attend their place of worship, go to the grocery store, return to work, or simply participate in community activities.
This discriminatory restriction runs counter to numerous government initiatives to improve access to independent living for people with disabilities including the "Ticket to Work Program," Olmstead Supreme Court Decision, New Freedom Initiative, and Americans with Disabilities Act.
In March, Congressmen Langevin (D-RI) and Ramstad (R-MN) introduced the Medicare Independent Living Act of 2007 (HR 1809) - bipartisan legislation in the House to eliminate Medicare's "in the home" restriction on mobility devices.
The ITEM Coalition is encouraging you to email your Representatives using the draft letter below, asking them to cosponsor legislation to eliminate the "in the home" restriction on mobility devices in order to provide access to the community for people with disabilities. Please feel free to edit the letter and to share your own challenges in accessing the assistive technology that you or a loved one needs. If you would like to view details on this alert, please visit here. |
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1875 Eye Street, N.W. - Twelfth Floor - Washington, D.C. 20006 - Phone: (202) 349-4260 - Fax: (202) 785-1756 |
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Copyright 2003 ITEM Coalition |
