WHO –

A consumer-led coalition comprised of national and state-based consumer and provider non-profit organizations interested in maintaining and improving access to and coverage of assistive devices, technologies and related services for Americans with Medicare, Medicaid or other health care coverage. The Coalition’s steering committee is taking the lead in coordinating the initial efforts and includes representatives from American Foundation for the Blind, CCD’s Health Task Force, Medicare Rights Center, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the United Spinal Association.

WHAT –

A sustained education and advocacy campaign in which the Coalition will seek to raise awareness of Americans’ inadequate access to assistive devices, technologies and related services and build support for legislative and regulatory changes to address this problem through enhancing current coverage policies.

WHERE –

The Coalition is based in Washington, D.C., but includes strong representation from organizations from around the country.

WHEN –

The Coalition is an ongoing effort over at least the 109th Congress. The first meeting of the organizations interested in joining the Coalition took place on March 28, 2003, and the launch of the Coalition occurred on June 17, 2003.

WHY –

People with disabilities and chronic health conditions throughout the life span have inadequate access under Medicare and Medicaid’s (and other health care payers’) current coverage policies to the assistive devices, technologies and related services which they require to be healthy, fully function and live as independently as possible. It is time to focus on achieving a comprehensive solution to this intractable problem.