FAST Repairs for Wheelchairs Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9364
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T08:08:40Z
AI-Generated Summary
H.R. 9364: Facilitating Access to Service and Timely Repairs for Wheelchairs Act (FAST Repairs for Wheelchairs Act)
Purpose
This legislation amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to prohibit Medicare Advantage plans from requiring prior authorization for repairs to complex rehabilitation technology, such as certain wheelchairs. The goal is to facilitate timely repairs for beneficiaries who rely on these devices.
Key Provisions
- Prohibition on Prior Authorization: For plan years beginning on or after January 1 following the date of enactment, Medicare Advantage plans may not impose prior authorization, prescription requirements, or medical documentation requirements for coverage of repairs to complex rehabilitation technology.
- Clarifications and Exceptions: The prohibition does not apply to prior authorization for:
- Initial evaluation of medical necessity.
- Replacement due to loss or irreparable damage.
- Items that have reached their reasonable useful lifetime.
- Items in use for 5 years.
- Definition of Complex Rehabilitation Technology: Includes certain complex rehabilitative power wheelchairs, complex rehabilitative manual wheelchairs, and certain manual wheelchairs (as referenced in section 1847(a)(2)(A)), along with related accessories furnished in connection with those items.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The bill adds a new clause (vii) to Section 1852(a)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-22(a)(1)(B)). This introduces a specific restriction on Medicare Advantage plans that did not previously exist in statute, limiting their ability to apply utilization management tools to repairs of designated rehabilitation equipment.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Medicare Advantage plans and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would need to adjust oversight and claims processing to comply with the new restrictions.
- On Citizens: Beneficiaries using complex rehabilitation technology could experience faster access to repairs without administrative delays.
- On International Relations: No impacts identified in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Medicare Advantage plan sponsors and administrators.
- Beneficiaries who use complex rehabilitation technology, such as individuals with mobility impairments.
- Suppliers and manufacturers of wheelchairs and related accessories.
- Healthcare providers involved in evaluations or repairs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill operates within Congress's authority to regulate Medicare under the Social Security Act and does not raise apparent constitutional issues. It represents a targeted change to Medicare Advantage program rules, potentially affecting plan flexibility in managing costs and utilization while prioritizing beneficiary access to repairs.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7]
Cosponsors (17)
Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], Rep. Hoyer, Steny H. [D-MD-5], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Facilitating Access to Service and Timely Repairs for Wheelchairs Act — issued 2026-06-18 — PDF (4 pages)