On October 6, 2005, the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) is encouraging all members and friends to participate in an “Access to Mobility Call-In Day.” Call 1-877-224-0041 and ask the Capitol operator to connect you to your senators and representative.

Throughout the day, individuals are encouraged to call their senators and representatives and ask them to support efforts to improve access to mobility devices for people with disabilities. Specifically, request that your members of Congress:

• Support all efforts to maintain appropriate access to mobility and other assistive devices;
• Contact the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and encourage the agency to remove the “in the home” restriction on mobility devices, which confines people in need of wheelchairs to their homes; and
• Support any potential legislation to remove the “in the home” restriction should such a fix become necessary.

A toll-free number has been established for October 6^th to connect you to the Capitol switchboard. Call 1-877-224-0041 and ask the Capitol operator to connect you to your senators and representative.

Background:

Over the last several months, the CMS has issued a series of Medicare policies that severely restrict access to mobility devices. We need to let members of Congress know that CMS’s actions are impacting the health and independence of people with disabilities!

At the heart of the problem is CMS’ commitment to the “in the home” restriction, which prevents beneficiaries from receiving devices they need to move past their front doors. Earlier this year, as CMS revised its wheelchair coverage policy, the agency had the opportunity to reconsider this restriction. However, CMS chose to maintain the “in the home” rule, making it clear that Medicare will not cover wheelchairs that many beneficiaries need to live independently and to have access to their communities.