Advocating is one of Numotion’s Five Customer Commitments to serve you and support the people, causes, and issues that affect you. Here are some short updates on just some of our advocacy efforts.

Improving accessible travel.

Important changes are happening in Washington to improve air travel for people with disabilities who rely on wheelchairs. We have heard from many of our customers about the concern and trepidation they feel every time they book a flight. But big changes are underway! In May, Congress overwhelmingly passed a bill that includes policy changes to improve air travel for people with disabilities. Numotion’s Government Relations team was actively engaged in advocating for inclusion of these policies in the final legislation that is expected to be signed into law soon.

• Under the bill, airline staff must be trained to better assist passengers with disabilities generally, including stowing their wheelchair and transferring them safely.

• The bill also includes a requirement on air carriers to publish the relevant dimensions of their cargo holds of their fleet so passengers can determine if their wheelchair can be safely accommodated.

The Department of Transportation (DoT) has opened a Request for Information (RFI) on Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers with Disabilities Using Wheelchairs. Comments by interested stakeholders are due June 12, 2024. Numotion is coordinating a submission to DoT on this topic with other wheelchair providers through our trade association called the National Coalition of Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology (NCART). Checkout the weblinks below more information, and to take action.

• https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news

• https://unitedspinal.org/announcing-a-breakthrough-in-our-fight-to-fly-safely

Improving access to timely repairs on your mobility equipment.

There are several challenges to the current process that contribute to unnecessary delays in the repair process (read our whitepaper at www.numotion.com/servicereform​​​​​​​) Numotion advocates are working in nearly every state to address these challenges in ways that will speed up the repair process. A few recent highlights:

• Tennessee: Recently, the state passed legislation that eliminates medical documentation for repairs under Tennessee Medicaid. Last year Tennessee eliminated prior authorization requirements for repairs under TennCare and some commercial plans.

• Wisconsin: Elimination of prior authorization before service (if Medicaid paid for the mobility device)

Improving reimbursement coverages to deliver you more independence.

Not having reimbursement available on products that are useful to your independence can be frustrating. Our Numotion teams are working at both the Federal and State levels to secure reimbursement coverage in some key product categories. A few highlights:

• At the Federal level, following on the heels of the May 2023 announcement by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to cover seat elevation, the focus has shifted to getting coverage for standing devices. Working alongside the ITEM Coalition, and with the help of key legislators, Numotion has been hard at work for over 5 years asking CMS to provide coverage for power standing.

• Due to hurdles put in place by Medicare for people who need a lighter frame, many consumers are unable to obtain titanium chairs. We are working with key legislative champions to ensure Medicare changes its policy to provide up-front access to titanium chairs without the administrative burden.

• At the state level, Kentucky Medicaid eliminated rate caps on certain products, effectively ensuring that more consumers will receive the technology they need.

These wins, and others like them, are only possible with the support of state policy makers in conjunction with local disability groups as well as industry groups, and providers like Numotion. We will continue to represent you and all of our customers in ongoing efforts for similar changes to policy in every state.