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GRASSLEY SEEKS CHANGES TO WHEELCHAIR POLICIES

September 30, 2005

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is calling on the HHS and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to change their coverage and payment policies for power wheelchairs.

In a Sept. 29 letter, Grassley, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, argues that proposed policies are likely to result in "fraud, confusion, and subjectivity." Grassley's previous concerns with CMS' coverage of power wheelchairs led to extensive changes in the agency's coverage and payment policies.

Grassley wants the agencies to provide clarification by Oct. 11 about how the rule will work. "In light of the historical fraud, waste, and abuse surrounding this benefit, CMS must get the PMD [power mobility devices] policy right the first time and ensure a transparent and seamless transition to new coverage and payment policies," he said.