WASHINGTON--Ninety-six percent of rehab suppliers surveyed by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology say power mobility reimbursement cuts will keep severely disabled Medicare beneficiaries from getting the equipment they need.

The survey was released Tuesday in response to CMS' new power mobility fee schedule, which calls for cuts of more than 40 percent for some equipment (see HomeCare Monday, Oct. 9). The new fees are set to be implemented Nov. 15.

NCART surveyed 54 suppliers of complex power wheelchairs, and said the results yielded disturbing news about the impact of the Medicare cuts: 76 percent of the suppliers said they will no longer provide the chairs if the cuts take effect. And 78 percent said they would be unable to provide chairs already ordered by the severely disabled because, in anticipation of the cuts, the reimbursement does not cover their costs.

"It's not just the suppliers who will be hurt," said NCART Executive Director Sharon Hildebrandt. "Persons battling diseases such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy will surely be harmed because suppliers will be so limited in what they can provide to them. Some people with disabilities will not get what they truly need."

If these cuts are implemented, "the few remaining suppliers of complex rehab equipment will be forced to carry fewer chairs, and there will be limited choices of features such as back heights, seat sizes and chair arms," a release from the coalition said. "For disabled individuals who spend their entire days in these chairs, customization is critical to their safety, comfort and independence."

According to NCART, the cuts also will discourage investment in research and development.

Since the fee schedule was released Oct. 2, industry stakeholders and legislators have urged CMS to rescind and modify it (see HomeCare Monday, Oct. 23).

The issue is even making its way into the upcoming elections. Last week, the Democratic National Committee issued a statement blaming Republicans and the Bush administration for the cuts.

"Republicans are not content to see seniors fall into the Medicare Part D donut hole; now they want to take their wheelchairs away, too," said Becky Ogle, DNC senior advisor on disability.

"For many seniors and people with disabilities--including people diagnosed with ALS, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries and severe brain injuries--mobility equipment is vital for independent living. Every American deserves the opportunity to live the American Dream, and to make their contribution to our society," she said. "Robbing people of their mobility and independence robs them of that opportunity."