Senators Bingaman (D-NM) and Santorum (R-PA) are preparing to introduce legislation this week that would fix Medicare’s “in the home” restriction on mobility devices. Please ask your Senators to become original cosponsors of this important legislation for people with disabilities!

Currently, Medicare will only cover mobility devices if beneficiaries need them for use inside their homes. In other words, if a beneficiary is able to do without a wheelchair or scooter inside, but needs such a device to go to work, the grocery store, their place of worship, the pharmacy or their physician’s office, Medicare will NOT pay for it. The “in the home” rule severely restricts the independence of people with disabilities, limiting their ability to participate in community activities.

ACTION: Please call your Senators toll-free via the capitol switchboard at 1-877-224-0041. Ask your Senators to be original cosponsors of the Medicare “in the home” legislation being introduced by Senators Bingaman and Santorum. Let them know that people with disabilities should have access to devices that will help them live healthy and independent lives – both inside and outside of their homes!

Please contact Emily Niederman at the ITEM Coalition, 202-349-4260, with any questions. Thank you for your advocacy!