H.R. 1703 — Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025
Executive Summary
H.R. 1703, the 'Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2026,' amends Medicare Part B to clarify payment rules and expand access to ultralightweight manual wheelchairs made of advanced materials like titanium or carbon fiber. Currently, durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers are disincentivized from offering these high-end, lighter wheelchairs because Medicare reimburses them at the same flat rate as standard materials. This bill mandates the creation of specific billing codes for these advanced materials and allows suppliers to 'balance bill' beneficiaries for the cost difference between the premium wheelchair and the standard Medicare reimbursement rate, provided the beneficiary receives prior notice of their financial liability.
Arguments For
- Access to Innovation: Removes the financial disincentive for DME suppliers to stock and provide advanced, lighter, and more durable mobility equipment, directly benefiting individuals with severe mobility impairments.
- Free-Market Solution: Addresses a gap in Medicare coverage without increasing direct federal outlays for the base equipment, utilizing a consumer-choice model to fund the premium upgrades.
Likely Supporters
Arguments Against
- Cost-Shifting to Seniors: Effectively legalizes balance billing for this specific equipment, shifting the financial burden of medical device upgrades onto seniors and individuals with disabilities.
- Equity Concerns: Creates a two-tiered system where only wealthier beneficiaries can afford the out-of-pocket costs for lighter, easier-to-use titanium or carbon fiber wheelchairs.
- Predatory Upselling Risks: Consumer protection advocates may argue that the advance notice requirement is insufficient to prevent aggressive upselling tactics by DME suppliers targeting vulnerable populations.
Likely Opponents
📋 Key Provisions
- Requires the HHS Secretary to establish separate HCPCS codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs based on base construction material (titanium/carbon fiber vs. standard) by January 1, 2028.
- Maintains standard Medicare payment amounts and frequencies for these upgraded wheelchairs, ensuring no direct increase in base Medicare reimbursement rates.
- Permits suppliers to charge beneficiaries the difference between the supplier's actual charge for the titanium/carbon fiber wheelchair and the standard Medicare payment amount.
- Authorizes the Secretary to mandate that suppliers provide advance written notice to beneficiaries regarding their potential out-of-pocket financial liability prior to purchase or rental.
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Requires the Secretary to establish separate HCPCS codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs by January 1, 2028.
"furnished on or after January 1, 2028,"
Permits suppliers to charge beneficiaries the difference between the actual charge and the Medicare payment.
"supplier may charge the individual the dif-"
Allows the Secretary to require suppliers to issue a financial liability notice to individuals.
"the Secretary may require a"