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 Secretary of Health and Human Services would be required to create separate HCPCS billing codes for these wheelchairs based on the material used in the base, including at least one code for titanium or carbon fiber bases and one or more codes for bases made without those materials.
The bill also directs Medicare payment treatment for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs with titanium or carbon fiber bases. Suppliers would be paid at the standard Medicare rate applicable to the wheelchair category, but they could charge beneficiaries the difference between that Medicare payment amount and the supplier’s actual charge. The bill further authorizes the Secretary to require suppliers to give beneficiaries advance notice of any potential out-of-pocket liability before the purchase or rental of the wheelchair.
Impact
This bill would change federal Medicare payment administration under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act by creating separate coding and payment rules for a subset of manual wheelchairs. It would affect the HCPCS coding system, Medicare suppliers of durable medical equipment, and Medicare beneficiaries who purchase or rent ultralightweight manual wheelchairs with titanium or carbon fiber bases. The measure is intended to clarify reimbursement and beneficiary cost-sharing for these higher-cost mobility devices.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally supportive sentiment. The bill was introduced by Senators Blackburn and Duckworth, indicating bipartisan sponsorship, and its title and structure frame it as a mobility-access measure rather than a cost-cutting or restrictive policy. No committee transcript or vote record is available, so there is no evidence of formal opposition in the provided materials.
Contention
The main policy issue is how Medicare should treat higher-cost ultralightweight manual wheelchairs made with titanium or carbon fiber. Supporters appear to favor clearer coding and payment rules to improve access and predictability, while the bill also preserves the possibility that beneficiaries may owe the difference between Medicare’s payment and the supplier’s full charge. That beneficiary liability, and whether advance notice is sufficient protection, is the likely point of contention for patient advocates, suppliers, and policymakers concerned about out-of-pocket costs.
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.