Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025

This bill would require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to create specific billing codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs, including separate codes for bases made with titanium or carbon fiber and those made without such materials. While Medicare would pay suppliers the standard rate for these wheelchairs, the bill would allow suppliers to charge beneficiaries for the cost difference between the Medicare payment and the actual price of the wheelchair. Additionally, the agency could require suppliers to notify beneficiaries of their potential financial responsibility for these additional costs.

This bill affects Medicare beneficiaries who require ultralightweight manual wheelchairs, particularly those seeking models constructed with titanium or carbon fiber. It also impacts the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which must establish new billing codes, and medical equipment suppliers who would be permitted to bill beneficiaries for the cost difference between Medicare payments and the actual charges for these wheelchairs.

• Establishment of Medicare billing codes for wheelchair materials. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must create at least two distinct billing codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchair bases. One code must specifically cover bases constructed with titanium or carbon fiber, while another must cover bases made without those materials.
• Authorization for beneficiary billing. Suppliers are permitted to bill Medicare beneficiaries for the difference between the standard Medicare payment and the actual charge for these specific wheelchairs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services may require suppliers to notify beneficiaries of this potential financial liability.

The bill modifies Medicare billing and payment procedures administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding ultralightweight manual wheelchairs. It specifically adjusts existing Medicare reimbursement structures to allow for new billing codes and permits suppliers to charge beneficiaries for costs exceeding standard Medicare payment rates for certain high-end materials.

The bill aims to expand access to specialized mobility equipment by requiring the establishment of distinct Medicare billing codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs, specifically differentiating between those constructed with titanium or carbon fiber and those made from other materials.