Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025
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The bill would require Medicare to create separate billing codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs based on whether their frame is made of titanium or carbon fiber versus other materials.
Suppliers would still receive the standard Medicare payment for these wheelchairs but could bill beneficiaries for the difference between that payment and the wheelchair's actual price, potentially raising costs for some users of higher-end mobility devices.
What this bill would do
What it would do
The bill would amend the Social Security Act's Medicare payment rules to require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish at least two billing codes for the base of ultralightweight manual wheelchairs furnished on or after January 1, 2026 — at least one code for bases made of titanium or carbon fiber and at least one for bases made without those materials.
For wheelchairs with titanium or carbon fiber bases, Medicare would continue paying suppliers the same amount it otherwise would, but suppliers could then charge the beneficiary the difference between that payment and the wheelchair's actual price. CMS could require suppliers to notify beneficiaries of this potential out-of-pocket liability before a purchase or rental. The bill does not change Medicare's overall payment formula or eligibility rules for wheelchairs.
Key provisions
- 1Would require CMS to establish two or more billing codes distinguishing ultralightweight manual wheelchair bases by construction material (titanium/carbon fiber versus other)
- 2Would preserve the standard Medicare payment amount to suppliers for titanium or carbon fiber wheelchairs
- 3Would allow suppliers to charge beneficiaries the difference between the Medicare payment and their actual charge for these wheelchairs
- 4Would authorize CMS to require suppliers to notify beneficiaries of potential financial liability before purchase or rental
Who would be affected
Medicare beneficiaries who need ultralightweight manual wheelchairs, particularly those seeking titanium or carbon fiber models, along with the durable medical equipment suppliers who sell or rent these wheelchairs and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which would administer the new billing codes.
Why it matters
Beneficiaries who want lighter, more durable titanium or carbon fiber wheelchairs could face new out-of-pocket costs beyond Medicare's standard payment, since suppliers would be allowed to bill for the price difference. Supporters see it as expanding access to premium options; it also creates a new financial exposure for some wheelchair users.
What would change
Changes to existing law
Amends Social Security Act, Section 1834(a) (42 U.S.C. 1395m(a)) (Sec. 2)
Adds a new paragraph requiring separate billing codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchair bases and setting related payment and beneficiary-notice rules.
Agencies directed to act
Effective dates
- New billing codes and related payment/beneficiary rules for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs
How implementation would work
CMS would need to create the new HCPCS billing codes before the January 1, 2026 effective date, distinguishing wheelchair bases by construction material. Once in place, suppliers would bill using the appropriate code, receive the standard Medicare payment, and could separately charge beneficiaries the gap between that payment and their actual price for titanium or carbon fiber models. CMS may also design and require a disclosure notice suppliers must give beneficiaries before purchase or rental so they understand their potential liability.
Legislative status & sources
Latest action
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 45 - 0.
Official CRS summary
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This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish specific billing codes under Medicare for certain materials used in ultralightweight manual wheelchairs.
Specifically, the CMS must establish at least two billing codes for the base of the wheelchair, with at least one code for a base with titanium or carbon fiber construction material and at least one code for a base without these materials. Suppliers receive the same payment under Medicare for these wheelchairs as would otherwise apply, but may bill beneficiaries for any difference between the payment and the actual charge for the wheelchair. The CMS may require suppliers to inform beneficiaries of their potential financial liability in these cases.
Legislative subjects
Aging; Disability and paralysis; Health; Health care costs and insurance; Health technology, devices, supplies; Medicare