HB1703, titled the Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025, would amend Medicare Part B payment rules for certain ultralightweight manual wheelchairs. Beginning January 1, 2026, the bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create separate HCPCS billing codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs based on the base material used, including distinct coding for wheelchairs with titanium or carbon fiber bases and for those without those materials.
The bill also directs Medicare payment treatment for these wheelchairs. If a beneficiary purchases or rents an ultralightweight manual wheelchair with a titanium or carbon fiber base, Medicare payment to the supplier would be made at the same frequency and amount otherwise applicable under current law for that wheelchair category. At the same time, the supplier would be allowed to charge the beneficiary the difference between the Medicare payment amount and the supplier’s actual charge, and HHS could require advance notice to inform beneficiaries of any potential out-of-pocket liability before purchase or rental.
Impact
The bill would amend section 1834(a) of the Social Security Act, changing how Medicare classifies and pays for certain manual wheelchairs under Part B. It would require new billing distinctions in the HCPCS system for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs based on construction material, which could affect supplier billing practices, Medicare claims processing, and beneficiary cost-sharing or balance-billing exposure for higher-cost wheelchair models.
Sentiment
The available legislative history suggests strong support and little visible opposition. The bill was ordered to be reported by a unanimous 45-0 vote, indicating broad bipartisan agreement in committee. No committee transcript excerpts or recorded floor debate were provided, so the overall sentiment can only be inferred from the unanimous committee action and the bill’s consumer-access framing.
Contention
The main policy issue is how to balance beneficiary access to higher-end mobility equipment with Medicare payment limits. Supporters appear to favor clearer coding and payment rules so beneficiaries who need titanium or carbon fiber ultralightweight wheelchairs can obtain them without administrative confusion. Potential concerns center on whether beneficiaries may face higher out-of-pocket costs if suppliers charge the difference between Medicare payment and the actual price, and whether the notice requirement is sufficient to protect consumers from unexpected charges.
Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish specific billing codes under Medicare for certain materials used in ultralightweight manual wheelchairs.Specifically, the CMS must establish at least two billing codes for the base of the wheelchair, with at least one code for a base with titanium or carbon fiber construction material and at least one code for a base without these materials. Suppliers receive the same payment under Medicare for these wheelchairs as would otherwise apply, but may bill beneficiaries for any difference between the payment and the actual charge for the wheelchair. The CMS may require suppliers to inform beneficiaries of their potential financial liability in these cases.
Enacts "Killian's law"; establishes a timely repair for wheelchair program; extends the warranty period for wheelchairs to 2 years; deems all wheelchair repairs needed within 5 years of initial prescription medically necessary.