Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1703
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-21: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 45 - 0.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-09T08:06:47Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The "Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025" (H.R. 1703) aims to clarify and adjust Medicare payment rules for certain advanced manual wheelchairs. It seeks to promote access to high-quality, lightweight options by allowing suppliers to offer premium materials while maintaining standard Medicare reimbursement levels, potentially shifting some costs to beneficiaries who choose those options.
Key Provisions
- Separate Coding for Wheelchairs: Starting January 1, 2026, the Secretary of Health and Human Services must create two or more specific billing codes (known as HCPCS codes, which are standardized codes used for Medicare billing of medical equipment) for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs. These codes will differentiate based on the base frame's construction material—one set for frames made with titanium or carbon fiber (premium, lightweight materials), and another for frames without those materials.
- Payment Rules: For wheelchairs with titanium or carbon fiber frames purchased or rented on or after January 1, 2026, Medicare will pay suppliers the standard amount it would pay for a basic ultralightweight wheelchair under existing rules.
- Beneficiary Charges: Suppliers can charge the Medicare beneficiary the difference between the standard Medicare payment and the supplier's actual (higher) price for the premium wheelchair.
- Notice Requirement: The Secretary may require suppliers to provide beneficiaries with a written notice (in a format set by the Secretary) before purchase or rental, explaining any potential extra costs to ensure informed decision-making.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This amends Section 1834(a) of the Social Security Act, which governs Medicare Part B payments for durable medical equipment like wheelchairs.
- Previously, Medicare payments for wheelchairs were based on general categories without specific distinctions for premium materials in ultralightweight models. The bill introduces targeted HCPCS codes and explicitly permits suppliers to bill beneficiaries for cost differences on premium versions, which was not clearly allowed before. This creates flexibility for advanced options without increasing overall Medicare spending.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will need to develop and implement new HCPCS codes and possibly oversee notice requirements, adding administrative tasks but without expanding Medicare's payment obligations.
- On Citizens: Medicare beneficiaries (typically elderly or disabled individuals) gain more choices for durable, lightweight wheelchairs that may improve mobility and quality of life. However, those opting for premium materials could face higher out-of-pocket costs, potentially affecting affordability for lower-income users.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic healthcare policy focused on U.S. Medicare administration.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Medicare Beneficiaries: Primary users of manual wheelchairs, who benefit from expanded options but may incur additional expenses.
- Wheelchair Suppliers and Manufacturers: Gain ability to offer and profit from premium products without relying solely on Medicare rates; must comply with new coding and notice rules.
- CMS and Healthcare Providers: Responsible for implementing codes and ensuring compliance, with indirect effects on physicians or therapists prescribing equipment.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens clarity in Medicare billing to reduce disputes over premium equipment, aligning with broader efforts to modernize durable medical equipment payments under the Social Security Act. It does not alter core Medicare entitlement rights but introduces beneficiary cost-sharing, which could face challenges if seen as shifting burdens unfairly.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues, as it operates within Congress's authority to regulate federal spending programs like Medicare.
- Political: Supports innovation in assistive devices for disability access, potentially appealing to advocates for healthcare choice and mobility. It avoids increasing federal costs, making it fiscally conservative, but may draw criticism from consumer groups concerned about out-of-pocket expenses in a program meant to protect vulnerable populations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (10)
Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16], Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8], Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9], Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-21: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 45 - 0.
- 2026-05-21: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-05-13: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2026-05-13: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-02-27: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2025-02-27: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-02-27: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-02-27: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-27: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025 — issued 2025-02-27 — PDF (3 pages)