Bills · HR 1703
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1703MedicareHealth technology, devices, supplies
Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025
INTRO FEB 27· LAST ACTION FEB 27
READING
—
COSPONSORS
3BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a gap in how Medicare currently pays for specialized mobility equipment. Ultralightweight manual wheelchairs are critical for many people's independence, and materials like titanium or carbon fiber can offer significant benefits in terms of weight, durability, and ease of propulsion, which can improve a user's health and quality of life. However, these advanced materials come at a higher cost.
If this bill becomes law, it would provide a pathway for Medicare beneficiaries to access these higher-performance wheelchairs, even if it means paying more out-of-pocket for the premium materials. It also aims to bring transparency to these costs by allowing the government to require suppliers to inform patients about any extra charges upfront. If it doesn't pass, the current Medicare payment system would remain, potentially limiting options for patients who could benefit from advanced material wheelchairs or leaving them unaware of potential additional costs for such choices.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create separate billing codes (HCPCS codes) for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs based on their construction material, specifically distinguishing between those with titanium or carbon fiber and those without.
This allows Medicare to recognize and track different types of advanced wheelchairs, which is a foundational step for any changes in payment or access.
PROVISION 02
Clarifies that for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs with titanium or carbon fiber, Medicare will pay the supplier the standard amount it would otherwise pay for any ultralightweight manual wheelchair.
This provision sets the baseline for Medicare's financial contribution, indicating that it will not pay extra specifically for the premium materials.
PROVISION 03
Allows suppliers to charge the Medicare beneficiary the difference between Medicare's standard payment and the supplier's actual charge for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs made with titanium or carbon fiber.
This directly impacts the out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries who choose wheelchairs with these more expensive, advanced materials.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes the Secretary to require suppliers to provide notice to beneficiaries about their potential financial responsibility for these extra charges before they purchase or rent such a wheelchair.
This provision aims to protect consumers by ensuring transparency and helping beneficiaries understand their costs before making a decision.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 3
R· Pennsylvania
YRS IN OFFICE
7
BILLS LED
25
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 100%
DEM 4 REP 4 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 27
Introduced in House
FEB 27
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1703
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 27, 2025
Last actionFeb 27, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 27, 2025
House BillHR 1703MedicareHealth technology, devices, supplies
Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025
INTRODUCED FEB 27, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 27, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
—
COSPONSORS
3
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
