Coalition Letters

Recent Letters to Agencies

February 20, 2012: Letter to HHS Regarding Essential Health Benefits Bulletin

December 22, 2011: ITEM suggests that CMS delay the demonstration project for prior authorization of power mobility devices scheduled to be implemented January 1, 2012

October 11, 2011: ITEM recommends a Separate Definition of “Orthotics and Prosthetics” from “Durable Medical Equipment” within Summary of Benefits and Uniform Glossary Material [CMS-9982-P], [CMS-9982-NC]

October 5, 2011: ITEM applauds exempt off-the-shelf orthotics from Round Two of the DMEPOS competitive bidding program, expresses serious concerns regarding items in the new product category “Standard (Power and Manual) Wheelchairs, Scooters, and Related Accessories”

August 30, 2011: ITEM Coalition Comments Regarding the Proposed Rule to Add a 3-year Minimum Lifetime Requirement to the Durable Medical Equipment Definition [CMS-1577-P]

June 8, 2011: ITEM asks Department of Treasury to exempt sales of home medical equipment (HME), including durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies, from Medical Device Tax

Recent Letters to Congress

April 25, 2012: ITEM asks Representatives to co-sponsor HR 4378, the “Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2012.”

April 17, 2012: ITEM asks Congress to support the Insurance Fairness for Amputees Act of 2012

December 11, 2011: ITEM opposes competitive bidding program policy changes proposed in the context of repealing the SGR formula