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Dear Jim,

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation along with other disability policy organizations has long advocated for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to update the existing National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Power Seat Elevation.

On February 15, 2023, CMS proposed to cover, for the first time ever, seat elevation systems in group 3 power wheelchairs as a Medicare benefit. This is a major victory for the Reeve Foundation’s community, and we are so thankful to each one of our advocates who told their story and commented back in August 2022.

It is now imperative that wheelchair users and people impacted by paralysis tell CMS they strongly support this coverage and urge CMS to go even further to ensure that all those who need access to these systems can get it. The seat elevation systems in group 3 power wheelchairs are vital for users to be able to:

• Safely transfer from a wheelchair to another surface, particularly if it is not level with one’s chair.
• Increase one’s reach to access higher surfaces across the home.
• Prevent and reduce stress injuries from repetitive transfers and reaching.
• Function independently at home as much as possible.

CMS is currently accepting public comments on whether to finalize its proposed decision through Friday March 17, 2023. Please note the agency is considering additional comments about power standing systems at a later date.

Additionally, you can also visit www.Rise4Access.org to obtain related background information, educational materials, and tips for writing a successful comment to CMS.

CMS wants to hear from the community! Thank you for your continued support of this important advocacy priority, which will help people living with paralysis access the critical technology to live healthy and independent lives.

If you are interested in adding your voice to our advocacy efforts you can sign up to become an advocate or contact Gerard Arnum, our Grassroots Advocacy Manager, at garnum@christopherreeve.org. Feel free to also reach out to Gerard if you need assistance with your comments!

Your voice matters.

#JoinReeve

Stay healthy,
Reeve Foundation