ACTION ALERT

March 7, 2007

“Medicare Independent Living Act” to Eliminate "In the Home" rule

Congressmen Langevin (D-RI) and Ramstad (R-MN) are preparing to introduce legislation to eliminate Medicare’s “in the home” restriction on mobility devices and your help is needed to secure original cosponsors!

As you know, Medicare’s “in the home” rule is outdated and restricts coverage of mobility devices to only those needed for certain in-home activities.  An individual who requires a mobility device to help them prepare their meals or brush their teeth may receive a device.  However, an individual who may be able to move around their home without a mobility device, but requires a device to go to work, school, the grocery store, or anywhere in the community, is not eligible.  This restriction unfairly confines many individuals with disabilities to the four walls for their homes and sharply contradicts community-based initiatives such as the Olmstead Supreme Court decision, Ticket-to-Work Program, New Freedom Initiative, and Americans with Disabilities Act.

Congressmen Langevin and Ramstad will soon introduce the “Medicare Independent Living Act” – will eliminate this discriminatory restriction for individuals with long-term mobility needs. The Congressmen have circulated the attached letter to their House colleagues requesting original cosponsors of the legislation (prior to its introduction).

ACTION REQUESTED:  Please call your Representative toll-free via the Capitol switchboard at 1-877-224-0041 and ask that he/she become an original cosponsor of the Medicare Independent Living Act.  The Medicare Independent Living Act is bipartisan legislation to eliminate Medicare’s “in the home” restriction on mobility devices and will be introduced by Congressmen Langevin and Ramstad in the coming weeks. If you have any questions, or would like a list of the original sponsors contact Elizabeth Leef at Elizabeth@ncil.org. Thank you for your advocacy efforts!