Lee Zeldin: “I thank Mr. Barton for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak in support of language that was added to…”

“I thank Mr. Barton for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak in support of language that was added to the IMPROVE Act that would protect access to critical equipment for individuals with disabilities. In November of 2014, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a rule stating that accessories used on complex rehabilitative wheelchairs would no longer be part of the fixed fee schedule and would be subject to competitive bidding pricing, decreasing access to customized wheelchairs and accessories relied on by adults and children with disabilities. My language included in this legislation will include a commonsense clarification to ensure those in the Medicare Program do not have to go through the difficulty of adjusting to the new rules and pricing arbitrarily set by CMS. This will ensure that they have reliable and consistent access to the equipment they need. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to protect those with disabilities and their access to the resources they rely on.”