Report Calls on Medicare to Lift Mobility Restriction

The Institute of Medicine released an interesting new study today that found more than 40 million Americans currently have some sort of disability. In response, the report called on Congress for more funding for research “to improve the lives of people with disabilities.”

Of particular interest, the report underscored a core policy issue that MS activists have been pushing recently — lift the “in the home” restriction for Medicare coverage of mobility devices. Coverage currently is restricted to only those devices that are reasonable and necessary in the patient’s home. But many beneficiaries need to obtain wheelchairs or scooters for use inside and outside the home.

In addition, the report called for the elimination of the two-year waiting period for Medicare eligibility for individuals receiving Social Security Disability benefits. Read the complete news here.