Home Modification – Wisdom, Ramps, and Revenue Accessibility solutions can create long-term customer relationships and additional opportunities such as stair lifts, vertical platform lifts, and bathroom safety equipment. Enjoy this insightful article written by @MedtradeConnect writer/contributor Greg Thompson featuring industry professionals including our own Wayne Grau, Executive Director. medtrade.com/news/manufactur…

We are just days away from the Abilities International Accessibility Conference in Chicago. we're incredibly excited to work with clinicians, ATPs, manufacturers, suppliers, advocates, and industry leaders for what promises to be an inspiring two days of learning, networking, and collaboration. For a limited time, attendees can use the code LASTCHANCE to secure a full two-day conference pass for just $319. Don't wait, get your 2-day pass today.

Counting down the days until the @Abilities International Accessibility Conference in Chicago! I'm excited to take the stage as a panelist to discuss the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in equipment evaluations, alongside some amazing people in the accessibility space. If you’re in the area or working in this space, come down and join us on June 11 & 12! 🎟️ Tickets are available now: abilitiesconference.com/

NCART calls on all insurance companies to eliminate prior authorization for CRT Repairs NCART continues to work on ways to expedite the repair process for Complex Rehab Technology equipment and for the consumers who use it in their everyday lives. The repair process has many steps, which are required by Medicare, Medicaid, and all insurance companies. There are several steps within the control of CRT manufacturers and providers. However, many are not, and the longest step is awaiting prior authorization for the repairs from Medicaid and insurance companies. I have specifically left out Medicare because they decided many years ago that the prior authorization process was duplicative and forced consumers to wait for critical repairs. Medicare relied on data that showed that 99% of prior repair authorizations were approved. Our own data shows 98.2% are approved. Why then would insurance companies and Medicaid force consumers to wait for paperwork approval? For many standard parts, such as batteries, NCART providers could fix them in one trip and reduce repair time by 10-30 Days. NCART is asking all Medicaid programs and all insurance plans to eliminate prior authorization for CRT repairs!

📷 None of this happens without our absolute rock-star partners—the ones who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us in the fight for better CRT access. Today, we’re turning the volume ALL the way up! A HUGE shoutout and massive THANK YOU to the absolute game-changers at Moving Forward DME jumping in the arena with us! Together, we’re not just pushing forward — we’re dominating the battle to deliver life-changing equipment and services to every person who needs them. Let’s show our powerhouse partner some serious love! Head over to their site, explore their cutting-edge tech, and tell them NCART sent you. Give them a visit at - movingforwardhealth.com/

Big Opportunity to Amplify Our Voices! NCART, iNRRTS, and U.S. Rehab are proud to host a Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Product Expo on May 13, 2026, in Washington, D.C. This is our chance to put real faces and stories in front of Members of Congress — to show them the life-changing power of CRT equipment and the people who depend on it every day to live safely, independently, and with dignity. We need your help to make this event a success. Through the simple NCART VoterVoice platform, you can send a powerful, pre-written message to your Senators and Representative in just seconds. Just enter your contact info, hit send, and let your voice be heard. It’s quick. It’s easy. And it truly matters. Please also forward this to your teams, consumers, friends, and clinical partners. Every single message counts. When policymakers hear from their own constituents, they pay attention — and they’re far more likely to stop by the Expo. Together, we can turn up the volume on this critical issue and protect access to the technology that transforms lives. Thanks in advance for taking action — your support makes a real difference. Please click here to send your message: votervoice.net/NCART/Campaig…!

Quick question: 📅 Are you planning to contact your Member of Congress on May 6? Your voice matters more than you think—and this is your moment to use it. Your story, your experience, and your voice can shape policy decisions for Complex Rehab Technology. Drop a ✅ in the comments if you’re in. Let’s build momentum together! complexrehabexpo.com

NCART hosted an education and advocacy day in Sacramento, CA on Tuesday, April 28th where we met with key members of the Assembly and Senate to discuss the reimbursement disparity for complex rehab technologies in the Medi-Cal program. The day concluded with a hands-on product experience featuring assisted standing and stepping devices; ultra-lightweight, titanium, and tilt-in-space manual wheelchairs; hybrid (power assist) mobility devices; and, power wheelchairs with power anterior tilt, posterior tilt, recline and seat elevation components as well as a wide array of options, accessories, seating and positioning items. Members and their staff were encouraged not only to see the products but also to sit it and try them out as we discussed the importance of individual configurability in meeting the specific needs of Medi-Cal beneficiaries. They also had the opportunity to discuss, first-hand how CRT impacts the daily lives of individuals with disabilities with the consumer advocates in attendance. NCART's lobbyist, John Wenger presented Assemblywoman Maggy Krell (D-06) with the NCART Legislator of the Year award, in recognition of her help over the years to preserve and protect access to CRT. Another highlight of the evening was Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez's (R-36) unwavering commitment to CRT as the incoming vice-chair of the Disability Caucus. A special thanks go to our manufacturer (Avid Rehab - @meritshealth , Etac Group/Ki Mobility, @SunriseMedical - North America Medical, and @QuantumRehab ) and supplier (Freedom Home Medical, National Seating & Mobility, @GoNumotion , Premier Medical, and Superior Medical) members for making the education and advocacy day a success.

Do you use, recommend or provide Group 2 power seat elevation for individuals with any of the diagnoses below? If so, and you answer YES to any of the questions below, it is important for Medicare to hear your story in writing by midnight on Saturday, April 4th at PMDRecon@noridian.com. Medicare may cover a power seat elevation system, based on a clinical evaluation, for individuals with chronic medical conditions such as, but not limited to: • Amputations • Cancer • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease • Congestive Heart Failure • Coronary Artery Disease • Degenerative Disk Disease • Diabetes Mellitus • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome • Fibromyalgia • Hypertension • Lymphedema • Myositis • Osteoarthritis • Osteoporosis • Peripheral Vascular Disease • (Poly)neuropathy • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Spinal Stenosis on a Medicare-covered power wheelchair when it is deemed medically necessary to assist with transfers in and out of the chair and reach higher surfaces in the home and participate in daily activities and complete daily tasks. The Issue: On February 19th Medicare issued a proposed change that would completely eliminate access to this empowering technology for beneficiaries with chronic medical conditions (such as those above) if this change is implemented. The Questions: 1. Do you (does your client) currently have a power wheelchair (PWC) with a seat elevation system? 2. Do you (does your client) have difficulty, or need assistance to transfer from a power wheelchair to a surface (bed, toilet, shower chair, car/van seat, etc.) that is higher than the power wheelchair seat? 3. Do you (does your client) have difficulty, or need assistance to reach high enough to access one or more of the following areas in the home? (If yes, check all that apply) a. Dresser drawers; clothes rod; washer and/or dryer. b. Medicine cabinet; bathroom sink/faucet; mirror; shower head/faucet. c. Freezer/refrigerator; oven/stove (including light/exhaust fan switches); coffee pot; microwave; cupboard/shelves; counter; sink/faucet; disposal switch, etc. d. Light switches; fire alarm; wall phone; speaker; door eye hole/viewer; doorbell; elevator buttons. e. Other Email - PMDRecon@noridian.com

The countdown is on! @AbilitiesExpo Abilities International Accessibility Conference opens its doors March 26-27, 2026, and we can’t wait to see you in the room with the rest of the West Coast complex rehab technology industry. NCART members have a chance to buy a discounted ticket to this industry conference for $495 instead of $695, using the promotional code: NCARTMEMBER – you can register now. events.tpni.com/Attendee/Def… We can't wait to see you there!

On Thursday, March 19, Mobility Management will host Julie Piriano, PT, ATP/SMS, NCART’s Senior Director, Payor Relations and Regulatory Affairs, for an hour-long webinar to discuss: What the LCDs are proposing — and what the DME MACs have explained so far. The differences between national and local coverage determinations (NCD/LCD) and which power wheelchairs would and would not be affected by the LCDs. The potential impact on Medicare beneficiaries who qualify for Group 2 power wheelchairs and need seat elevation’s functionality. Clinical and functional benefits of power seat elevation on Group 2 power wheelchairs. What NCART and other industry organizations, manufacturers and clinical groups are saying about the LCDs and how they plan to respond. The most effective ways for stakeholders to provide feedback and support. The live webinar — which will later be available to watch on demand — will be moderated by Mobility Management Editor in Chief Laurie Watanabe and will include a Q&A session with attendees. Registration is free. REGISTER HERE - event.on24.com/wcc/r/5255268…

Day 1 of @MedtradeConnect was a success with Wayne Grau, Executive Director leading a CRT panel discussion. Learn more about how to support NCART and join us in the fight for CRT equipment, providers, manufacturers and those who rely on these products for daily living. ncart.us/membership

On Thursday, March 19, Mobility Management will host the webinar Proposed PMD LCD Changes: Issues, Impact, and Industry Strategy featuring Julie Piriano, PT, ATP/SMS, the National Coalition for Assistive & Rehab Technology’s (NCART) senior director, payor relations and regulatory affairs. Webinar topics will include: • What the LCDs are proposing — and what the DME MACs have explained so far. • The differences between national and local coverage determinations (NCD/LCD) and which power wheelchairs would and would not be affected by the LCDs. • The potential impact on Medicare beneficiaries who qualify for Group 2 power wheelchairs and need seat elevation’s functionality. • Clinical and functional benefits of power seat elevation on Group 2 power wheelchairs. • What NCART and other industry organizations, manufacturers and clinical groups are saying about the LCDs and how they plan to respond. • The most effective ways for stakeholders to provide feedback and support. The live webinar — which will later be available to watch on demand — will be moderated by Mobility Management Editor in Chief Laurie Watanabe and will include a Q&A session with attendees. Registration is FREE. Register Here - event.on24.com/wcc/r/5255268…

We are pleased to share an opportunity to participate in an important research project on Dynamic Seating led by Becky Breaux, PhD, OTR/L, ATP, in partnership with co-investigator @MichelleLangeOT , OTR/L, ATP/SMS, and professional research assistant Sarah Walker, MS. We are seeking input from people with cerebral palsy and related conditions and their caregivers. The purpose of this research is to better understand how and why people use Dynamic Seating on their mobility device(s), and its impact. The research uses an online survey, and participant perspectives are essential to informing its findings. Participants may also choose to participate in a future interview. photo of a wheelchair with dynamic head rest, back support, and foot rests To ensure a manageable and meaningful research process, recruitment for this study is being conducted by email. We apologize if you receive this email through more than one source. If you know someone who uses Dynamic Seating, please forward this email to them. We’ve also attached a flyer that you may include on your websites, social media platforms, and distribution lists. You can access the survey at the link below. We’re interested in hearing from all Dynamic Seating users, no matter which company made their system. 👉 ucdenver.co1.qualtrics.com/j… We ask that participants complete the survey by 3/15/2026. As a token of our appreciation, anyone who takes the survey can be entered into a $50 gift card raffle. This study is supported by a National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research grant (NIDILRR number 90SFGE0077). Thank you for your consideration, expertise, and time. Please share this information widely!

Power Standing- The time has come to open up the Coverage Determination NCART has worked with the ITEM (Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid) coalition for many years to open the national coverage determination process for both seat elevation and power standing. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) did bifurcate the two products, with seat elevation opening and being approved. This was a great day for Complex Rehab patients who use this incredible product for activities of daily living. WE THANK YOU, CMS. It has been almost five years since the ITEM Coalition submitted the original application, and we are still in a holding pattern waiting for the opening of the process for power standing. We have met with CMS staff, and they have been very thoughtful and upfront about some of the issues with the realignment of the agency. We appreciate their candid approach, and we look forward to moving forward in 2026 to have our chance to prove the medical necessity of this incredible product. The medical value of power standing is outside of my expertise, and I would never speak to the clinical or medical value of being able to stand periodically throughout the day. I comment on this from the person who asks individuals who have power-standing equipment how it has changed their life and health. Unequivocally, the answer creates emotional responses that say to me the incredible benefit that power standing has added to their lives. I am an observer in the lives of people who utilize Complex Rehab equipment. I am amazed every day as I hear the stories of how CRT equipment has helped people. This makes me want to advocate harder each day so that those individuals can lead their best lives! We look forward to getting this across the finish line to ensure access for CRT patients every day.(photo credit: @PermobilAMR )

Join Mobility Management Editor-in-Chief Laurie Watanabe as she welcomes Tamara Kittelson, MS, OTR/L, ATP/SMS; Julie Piriano, PT, ATP/SMS; and Theresa Berner, MOT, OTR/L, ATP, to discuss these policy evolutions and how they could impact equipment choice and provision, and ultimately, client outcomes. Register Today - gateway.on24.com/wcc/experie…

NCART is working with our members and consumers to eliminate the duplicative and time-consuming process of obtaining a prior authorization for repairing complex rehab (CRT) equipment. The top 5 reasons this requirement is a burden on consumers. 1. The process is duplicative- The CRT wheelchair, when originally ordered, required prior authorization from the insurance company or Medicare/Medicaid. 2. The consumer will use the equipment for a minimum of 5 years, and the insurance companies know that the equipment will need repairs during that time. The need for repairs is not a surprise for them! 3. Asking for a prescription or medical documentation to prove the person still needs the wheelchair makes no sense. When we asked for prior authorization for the original equipment, we submitted that the consumer would need it for a lifetime. 4. Having to tell the consumer that even though we have the equipment on our trucks, we are required to submit paperwork, and we cannot fix it right then, does nothing but create frustration for the consumer and providers. 5. The prior authorization process requires two trips- one to assess the repair issue, then wait for approval (between 7-21 days), and then we must come out again to fix it. We want to fix NOW. For the sake of the consumers that we serve- FOLLOW MEDICARE AND STOP THE MADNESS- eliminate prior authorization for repairs and let consumers get back to their busy lives quickly and safely! NCART calls on all Insurance companies and Medicaid programs. Please fix this broken process.

Look who has joined us in the fight! @amylior has powered up our squad at NCART, supercharging the fight for CRT equipment, services, and the heroes who rely on them every day! This alliance? Pure dynamite – exploding our momentum to new heights! Shout out to the legends at Amylior for linking up and declaring, “Count us in for the win!” Help us support our partners, flood them with support, hit up their site, and remind them the CRT family is riding strong right beside ’em! Check ’em out: amylior.com United, we’re unbreakable! ♿💥 Who’s with us? #CRTFight #Amylior #NCARTStrong

NCART would like to congratulate John Miller on his outstanding award! @Johnny_Millers Miller's Rental and Sales President, John Miller, was named one of Ohio’s 500 Most Influential People by Ohio Business Magazine. This recognition highlights leaders across the state who are making a meaningful impact on their industries and communities. Johnny’s leadership and commitment to service continue to positively influence both Miller’s and the broader Ohio healthcare community. You can read more about the Ohio 500 and view the full list of honorees here: ohiobusinessmag.com/3d-flip-…

As we celebrate this Holiday Season, the NCART offices will be closed on the following dates: Thursday, December 25th - Friday, December 26th Thursday, January 1st - Friday, January 2nd. NCART will return to our offices on Monday, January 5th.