Bill · S. 247· Senate(119-S-247)
Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 1/24/2025
- Last activity
- 1/24/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- Marsha Blackburn
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025 aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act. This amendment focuses on clarifying payment rules for certain manual wheelchairs under Medicare Part B. The bill requires the Secretary to create separate HCPCS codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs based on whether the base is made of titanium or carbon fiber. It also establishes rules for payments to suppliers for these specific wheelchairs. Additionally, the bill addresses how suppliers may charge individuals and includes provisions for potential beneficiary protections.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+5
The bill formalizes the procurement of high-end ultralightweight wheelchair materials like titanium and carbon fiber within the Medicare system.
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?+4
The bill creates a formal mechanism for beneficiaries to access specialized ultralightweight mobility equipment through Medicare.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+3
The bill establishes specific coding and payment structures for specialized ultralightweight wheelchairs to facilitate their availability.
The opposite
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?-2
The bill allows suppliers to charge individuals the difference between Medicare payments and actual costs, which could create financial burdens.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Clarified Payment for Specialized Materials: The bill ensures that when an individual purchases or rents an ultralightweight manual wheelchair with a titanium or carbon fiber base, the supplier receives payment in a specific frequency and amount (Section 2, paragraph (23)(B)(i)).
-
Financial Transparency: The Secretary has the authority to require suppliers to issue a notice to individuals before a purchase or rental, which helps inform them of potential financial liability (Section 2, paragraph (23)(B)(iii)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs: A supplier is permitted to charge an individual the difference between the Medicare payment amount and the supplier's actual charge for an ultralightweight manual wheelchair (Section 2, paragraph (23)(B)(ii)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Seniors+2Good For Low Income Households-2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+3Increases Medicare Funding+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+4
- 1/24/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois