The ITEM Coalition is devoted to raising awareness and building support for policies that will enhance access to assistive devices, technologies, and related services for people with disabilities and chronic conditions. The coalition is consumer-led and includes a diverse set of disability organizations, aging organizations, other consumer groups, voluntary health associations, and non-profit provider associations.
Most Recent Advocacy Efforts
May 18, 2021
- Letter to CMS: Protect Access to Complex Rehabilitation Manual Wheelchair Accessories in Medicare. ITEM Coalition Steering Committee letter.
May 4th, 2021
- Letter to House: Support H.R. 2356, the Better Wound Care at Home Act. ITEM Coalition Steering Committee letter.
April 30th, 2021
- Letter to House: Support H.R. 2461, the “Triple A” Study Act.
- Letter to Senate: Support S. 1089, the “Triple A” Study Act. 42 ITEM Coalition members signed on.
April 16th, 2021
- Letter to CMS: ITEM Coalition Comments on Interim Final Rule and Delay of Effective Date for Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technology (MCIT) Pathway. ITEM Coalition Steering Committee letter.
January 4th, 2021
- Letter to CMS: ITEM Coalition Comments on 2021 Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Proposed Rule. ITEM Coalition Steering Committee letter.
- Letter to CMS: ITEM Coalition Low Vision Group Comments on Coverage of Low Vision Aids.
December 4th, 2020
- Letter to E&C Committee: Encourage CMS to Permanently “Fix” Manual CRT Wheelchair Accessories Pricing. ITEM Coalition Steering Committee letter.
November 2nd, 2020
- Letter to CMS: Comments on Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technology (MCIT) and Definition of “Reasonable and Necessary” Proposed Rule. 38 ITEM Coalition members signed on.
September 15th, 2020: ITEM Coalition Calls on CMS to Expand Medicare Coverage of Seat Elevation and Standing Systems in Power Wheelchairs
- Letter of support from 60 national rehabilitation and disability organizations
- Formal reconsideration request for National Coverage Determination for Mobility Assistive Equipment (NCD for MAE)
- ITEM Coalition press release on submission
- National Council on Disability letter to CMS
Policy Priorities
The ITEM Coalition’s 2021 Policy Priorities can be found here.
