“My question is, why? Why is it so difficult for me to get to the coverage I so desperately need?” -- Medicare Beneficiary More American Stories on Challenges in Accessing Assistive Technology

Access to assistive devices, technologies, and related services is critical for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions of all ages. For both children and adults with disabilities, assistive devices and technologies can lead to greater health, participation, independence, productivity, and integration in the home, in the classroom, in the workplace and in the community.

The ITEM Coalition is devoted to raising awareness and building support for policies that will enhance access to assistive devices, technologies and related services for people with disabilities and chronic conditions. The Coalition is consumer-led and has over seventy member organizations—including a diverse set of disability organizations, aging organizations, other consumer groups, labor organizations, voluntary health associations, and non-profit provider associations.

• Congressmen Langevin and Ramstad Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Remove Medicare's "In the Home" Restriction on Mobility Devices

• Medicare Issues New Coverage Rules for Power Mobility Devices:
  • ITEM Coalition Letter HHS on New Coverage Rules
  • UPDATE: ITEM Coalition Letter to HHS on Clarifications to New Coverage Rules and Reimbursement Cuts

• Medicare Denies Coverage of iBOT Mobility System

• ITEM Coalition Submits Comments to CMS on Proposal to Deny Coverage for Low Vision Aid Technology

• ITEM Coalition Testimony, Comments and Letters

  
  
  

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1501 M Street, N.W. -Seventh Floor - Washington, D.C. 20005 - Phone: (202) 349-4260 - Fax: (202) 785-1756

The ITEM Coalition wishes to graciously thank those organizations that donate funds in support of the work of the coalition including Independence Technology, Sunrise Medical, Pride Mobility, and Invacare, as well as member non-profit organizations that have contributed in-kind donations to advance the mission of the coalition.  The ITEM Coalition’s policy agenda and activities are directed exclusively by the ITEM Coalition Steering Committee, comprised of representatives of member organizations.  Financial contributors have no role in policy development, strategy, or implementation of the Coalition's mission.