Oklahoma Medicaid participants with disabilities and chronic medical conditions depend on specialized wheelchairs, seating systems, and other adaptive equipment (referred to as Complex Rehab Technology) to meet their medical needs, maximize their function and independence, and minimize their health care costs. Unfortunately this specialized equipment and the supporting services are being threatened by multiple payment cuts within the Medicaid program.

Providing this equipment is an extremely service‐intensive process from initial evaluation through final assembly, delivery, adjustment, and training. Once the equipment is delivered it must then be supported with ongoing maintenance, repairs, and modifications. Unfortunately the small number of CRT companies that provide and support these products were hit with a combined cut of 15% on July 1 due to an across‐the‐board reduction and a reduction in co‐insurance payments. In addition, a Medicaid payment methodology change scheduled for October 1 will reduce payments even further.

If these cuts are not rescinded, access to these specialized CRT products and services will be reduced. Reduced access will significantly increase the cost of medical care and hospitalization. It will also significantly compromise the health and independence of the frailest Oklahoma Medicaid recipients, those children and adults with significant disabilities and chronic medical conditions.

Your voice is needed to get changes made: Change will not happen unless state legislators and officials hear from their constituents. Oklahoma Medicaid participants, clinicians, providers and others need to communicate to policy makers that these cuts must be rescinded in order to prevent access problems. Read the overview and follow the instructions to email your legislators and state officials. The system will automatically identify your representatives. There is a standard message you can send or you can customize the text of the email to tell your personal story.

If you are having problems getting equipment or services: Teresa Tisdell, OTR/L, MPH, ATP with NeuroResources Outreach Services in Oklahoma City has formed a Committee to help monitor and resolve CRT access issues across the state. If you or someone you care for is having problems getting CRT equipment or services, please contact Teresa at 405‐615‐0994 after 4 PM and provide her your information.

 

NCART is a national association working to ensure individuals with significant disabilities and medical conditions have adequate access to Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) products and services. To learn more about CRT visit www.ncart.us or contact info@ncart.us.