Letter to Mark McClellan M.D., Ph.D. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Letter

Enzi Working for Medicare Mobility Systems

U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee signed onto a letter requesting that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services start to cover access to Interactive Balancing Mobility Systems for Medicare beneficiaries. A copy of the letter follows.

Mark McClellan, M.D., Ph.D.
Administrator
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Department of Health and Human Services
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore MD 21244-1850

Re: Medicare Coverage of Interactive Balancing Mobility Systems

Dear Dr. McClellan:

We, the undersigned members of the U.S. Senate, are writing to request that you establish appropriate coverage criteria to allow Medicare beneficiaries access to Interactive Balancing Mobility Systems.

Revolutionary new mobility technologies, such as the iBOT® Mobility System, allow individuals with disabilities to achieve a level of function and mobility that is necessary for them to live independently. This innovative new technology is the first mobility device of its kind to largely eliminate physical barriers by climbing stairs, improving reach, traversing various surfaces and balancing the seated user at standing eye level. For many, this technology can take the place of more costly and/or drastic alternatives such as moving from one's home, extensive home modifications, use of home health aids, unnecessary institutionalization, or bed-confinement.

We understand that a National Coverage Determination (NCD) request is pending at CMS for Interactive Balancing Mobility Systems. This type of device is clearly not appropriate for all beneficiaries with mobility impairments, but rather a subset of these individuals - those with mobility and other functional needs that cannot be met by any other device. With this understanding, the Veterans Administration has created specific coverage criteria allowing certain veterans with disabilities access to the iBOT® Mobility System and, currently, several state Medicaid programs provide coverage for this device to certain recipients. We ask that Medicare beneficiaries have similar access to this type of life-changing device.

Additionally, the establishment of coverage criteria for Interactive Balancing Mobility Systems sends an important message to individuals with disabilities enrolled in public and private health care programs: When research and development results in technological advancements that improve health, functional status, independent living, and quality of life, they will be accessible to those who could benefit most from their use.

In conclusion, we encourage Medicare to develop specific coverage criteria for Interactive Balancing Mobility Systems so that beneficiaries whose functional needs have not been met by other mobility devices, can have access to this advancement in technology.

Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to receiving your response.

Michael Enzi, U.S. Senator
Carl Levin, U.S. Senator
Sam Brownback, U.S. Senator
Jim Jeffords, U.S. Senator
Susan Collins, U.S. Senator
Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Senator
Norm Coleman, U.S. Senator
Frank Lautenberg, U.S. Senator
Robert Menendez, U.S. Senator
Tom Harkin, U.S. Senator

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