Jerry Urges Congress To Protect Medicare Benefits Of People With Neuromusc

[Guest guest]

Jerry Urges Congress To Protect Medicare Benefits Of People

With Neuromuscular Diseases

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84876.php

Legendary entertainer and MDA National Chairman Jerry has sent

letters to Congress urging passage of legislation protecting the

Medicare benefits of those who rely on complex medical equipment and

technology, including tens of thousands with progressive

neuromuscular diseases.

H.R. 2231, the Medicare Access to Complex Rehabilitation and

Assistive Technology Act of 2007, would exempt " all complex

rehabilitation products and assistive technologies " from Medicare's

competitive bidding policy, allowing those with severe physical

disabilities access to the highly customized mobility equipment they

need.

Current Medicare competitive bidding policy limits those who need

equipment such as technologically advanced power wheelchairs to one

or two pre-selected equipment vendors, " promoting a one-size-fits-

all concept of care, " said in his letter to Congress.

urged Congress to include H.R. 2231 in a package of Medicare

provisions that will be coming before the Senate shortly.

" How can you restrict people's choices when selecting wheelchairs

and other vital equipment, " said. " This is not only medically

wrong, but fiscally irresponsible. "

MDA's National Task Force on Public Awareness began the push for

passage of H.R. 2231 in July when it endorsed the bill in a letter

to Congress. The Task Force is comprised of prominent individuals

with neuromuscular diseases who advise MDA on matters of importance

to those the Association serves and all people with disabilities.