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February 8, 2006 The Honorable __________ RE: Request to Sign-on to the Bass-Langevin Letter Supporting Medicare Coverage of “Interactive Balancing Mobility Systems” represented by the INDEPENDENCE® iBOT® 4000 Mobility System Dear Representative _________: The undersigned members of the ITEM Coalition write to request that you sign onto the Bass-Langevin letter supporting Medicare coverage of a life-changing technology for people with disabilities –Interactive Balancing Mobility Systems, more commonly known as the iBOT® 4000. The “ITEM” Coalition, an acronym for Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid, is a consumer-led organization representing a diverse set of disability-related groups with the goal of improving access to and coverage of assistive devices, technologies and related services. The Interactive Balancing Mobility System is an amazing device that allows individuals with disabilities to climb stairs, improve reach, traverse various surfaces, and balance at standing-eye level all with one integrated device. This device is not appropriate for all individuals with mobility impairments, but would greatly benefit a group of individuals with mobility needs that have not been met by any other mobility device. In fact, in 2003 the Veterans Administration created specific coverage criteria allowing certain veterans with disabilities access to the iBOT® 4000 and, currently, several state Medicaid programs provide coverage to certain recipients as well. Recently, a Medicare National Coverage Determination (NCD) request for Interactive Balancing Mobility Systems was submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the agency is currently soliciting public comment on the coverage request. In response, Representatives Bass and Langevin have initiated a Congressional sign-on letter to be sent to CMS supporting the development of specific coverage criteria under Medicare. Members of the ITEM Coalition support Medicare coverage for this device because it can virtually eliminate physical barriers for people with mobility impairments, thus, greatly improving their health and independence. Additionally, we recognize the value and important precedent of providing access to advancements in technology that will improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. We urge you to support Medicare coverage of this device as well, and ask you to sign onto the Bass-Langevin letter to CMS. You may contact Allison Walter in Congressman Bass’s office (225-5206) or Amy Judge in Congressman Langevin’s office (225-5976) to sign onto this letter. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, February 8, 2006 The Honorable ______________ RE: Request to Sign-on to the Enzi-Levin Letter Supporting Medicare Coverage of “Interactive Balancing Mobility Systems” represented by the INDEPENDENCE® iBOT® 4000 Mobility System Dear Senator ______________: The undersigned members of the ITEM Coalition write to request that you sign onto the Enzi-Levin letter supporting Medicare coverage of a life-changing technology for people with disabilities –Interactive Balancing Mobility Systems, more commonly known as the iBOT® 4000. The “ITEM” Coalition, an acronym for Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid, is a consumer-led organization representing a diverse set of disability-related groups with the goal of improving access to and coverage of assistive devices, technologies and related services. The Interactive Balancing Mobility System is an amazing device that allows individuals with disabilities to climb stairs, improve reach, traverse various surfaces, and balance at standing-eye level all with one integrated device. This device is not appropriate for all individuals with mobility impairments, but would greatly benefit a group of individuals with mobility needs that have not been met by any other mobility device. In fact, in 2003 the Veterans Administration created specific coverage criteria allowing certain veterans with disabilities access to the iBOT® 4000 and, currently, several state Medicaid programs provide coverage to certain recipients as well. Recently, a Medicare National Coverage Determination (NCD) request for Interactive Balancing Mobility Systems was submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the agency is currently soliciting public comment on the coverage request. In response, Senators Enzi and Levin have initiated a Congressional sign-on letter to be sent to CMS supporting the development of specific coverage criteria under Medicare. Members of the ITEM Coalition support Medicare coverage for this device because it can virtually eliminate physical barriers for people with mobility impairments, thus, greatly improving their health and independence. Additionally, we recognize the value and important precedent of providing access to advancements in technology that will improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. We urge you to support Medicare coverage of this device as well, and ask you to sign onto the Enzi-Levin letter to CMS. You may contact Katy Barr in Senator Enzi’s office or Jason Hill in Senator Levin’s office to sign onto this important letter. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,
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