BUFFALO, N.Y. — In an update to the group's members last week, Don Clayback, executive director of the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology, detailed the status of its work on a separate benefit for complex rehab.
That initiative got a major boost in July with an endorsement from the ITEM Coalition (www.itemcoalition.org), a consumer-led group comprised of more than 70 member organizations in the areas of disability, aging, labor, voluntary health associations, non-profit provider associations and others.
Among ITEM's objectives are to:
- Raise awareness about the importance of assistive devices, technologies, and related services in enhancing the function, independence, health status, and quality of life of people with disabilities and chronic conditions of all ages;
- Identify the barriers to access to necessary devices and technologies under Medicare and Medicaid as well as other federal health programs and private plans; and
- Build support for broad-based legislative and regulatory changes to address the problems of inadequate access to assistive devices, technologies and related services.
The endorsement is important, Clayback said, because "the mission of ITEM ties directly to the objectives of the separate benefit category initiative."
On that front, Clayback said, workgroups continue to address coding, coverage, payment and quality standards. NCART hopes to issue an updated discussion paper this month based on comments that have been received since publication of its first discussion draft in March.
Following that, NCART plans another webinar series to review changes and allow stakeholders the opportunity for questions and suggestions.
As far as legislation to create a separate benefit goes, Clayback said, the necessary legislative language is being prepared along with related cost estimates, and a focus in coming months will be on finding a congressional sponsor to introduce the legislation.
"It's important to remember that this project has broad implications at both the federal and state levels," said Clayback. "Just the publicity that our efforts have generated to date has helped to increase the message that the CRT is a small but service-intensive product category and its uniqueness requires recognition by payers and policymakers.
"Greater awareness and acceptance of the CRT message is the foundation we need to protect and improve access. This initiative gives us a vehicle to address the challenges that consumers, clinicians, suppliers, and manufacturers are facing."
On another front, NCART is putting the finishing touches on its upcoming National Medicaid Summit Oct. 6-7 in Nashville. For details, see the NCART website.
