Choices for Increased Mobility Act

Summary#

This bill amends section 1834(a) of the Social Security Act to add special rules for certain ultralightweight manual wheelchairs under Medicare Part B. For wheelchairs furnished on or after January 1, 2026, the Secretary must create two or more HCPCS codes for the wheelchair base depending on the construction material. At least one code must cover bases with titanium or carbon fiber and at least one must cover bases without those materials. The bill says that when an individual buys or rents an ultralightweight manual wheelchair with a titanium or carbon fiber base, Medicare will pay the supplier at the frequency and amount normally paid under the statute. The supplier may charge the individual the difference between that Medicare payment and the supplier's actual charge. The Secretary may require suppliers to give a notice to the individual before purchase or rental, in a form and manner the Secretary decides.

What it means for you#

  • If you are a Medicare Part B beneficiary who buys or rents an ultralightweight manual wheelchair with a titanium or carbon fiber base, Medicare will pay the supplier as described in current payment rules.
  • Your supplier may bill you for any amount above the Medicare payment. You may receive a notice from the supplier about this potential charge before you complete the purchase or rental.
  • No publicly available information on which specific HCPCS codes will be created or how often notices must be given.

Expenses#

  • No publicly available information on federal costs or savings from the bill.
  • The bill allows suppliers to collect from beneficiaries the difference between Medicare payment and the supplier's charge, so beneficiaries may have higher out-of-pocket expenses in some cases.

Proponents' View#

  • No publicly available information on public statements by the bill's sponsors in the provided text. The bill text itself shows the sponsors intend to (1) establish separate HCPCS codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchair bases by material and (2) clarify payment and notice rules for wheelchairs with titanium or carbon fiber bases.

Opponents' View#

  • No publicly available information on objections or opposing statements in the provided text.