Ellmers urges HHS to rescind new Medicare proposal for prosthetic care

After learning of a proposal that would limit Medicare beneficiaries’ access to prosthetic care, U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC) explained her concerns to Secretary Sylvia Burwell at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last week.

“As the representative of Fort Bragg, thousands of veterans and senior citizens, I have deep concerns with a recent proposal from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),” Ellmers said after sending a letter  to Burwell. “It would severely limit access to prosthetic care for Medicare beneficiaries and negatively impact veterans who have sustained limb amputations. Placing this type of coverage restriction on Medicare recipients is irresponsible. Not only will this proposal stifle access to life-changing devices for thousands of North Carolinians, but it will inhibit many veterans and senior citizens from maintaining an independent lifestyle and will disrupt their quality of life.”

The proposed changes were outlined in the Local Coverage Determinations  for Lower Limb Prostheses (DL-33787), recently issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

“My constituents believe the policy should be rescinded and that CMS and its contractors should begin a dialogue with patients, prosthetists, physicians and other stakeholders to address CMS’ concerns through a more reasonable policy,” Ellmers concluded. “It is my hope, as outlined in my formal request to Secretary Burwell, that HHS will rescind this policy until they better understand the far-reaching implications of this proposal.”