HR 1703: Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025

HR 1703 in plain English: This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to create separate billing codes under Medicare for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs based on their construction material. Suppliers would receive standard Medicare reimbursement but could charge patients the difference if the wheelchair costs more. CMS could require suppliers to notify patients about any extra costs they may owe.

Stated purpose

This bill requires Medicare to create separate billing codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs based on whether their frame is made of titanium or carbon fiber versus other materials, so that these higher-end wheelchairs can be billed and tracked distinctly under Medicare Part B.

Key points

• Requires CMS to create at least two Medicare billing codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchair bases
• At least one code must cover titanium or carbon fiber wheelchair bases; at least one for other materials
• Suppliers receive standard Medicare payment but may bill patients for any amount above that payment
• CMS may require suppliers to notify patients of potential out-of-pocket costs before purchase

Arguments supporters make

• People who need ultralightweight wheelchairs can now choose a higher-quality titanium or carbon fiber model through Medicare rather than being limited to whatever the standard payment fully covers.
• Creating separate billing codes gives Medicare clearer data on the types of wheelchairs being provided, which can improve program oversight and transparency.
• Patients are protected by a required notice about any extra costs before they commit to renting or buying, so they can make an informed choice.

Arguments opponents make

• Medicare beneficiaries — often elderly or disabled people on fixed incomes — could face unexpected out-of-pocket charges for a wheelchair their doctor recommends, creating a financial burden tied to medical necessity.
• Allowing suppliers to charge above the Medicare rate for these devices could drive up costs over time as suppliers steer patients toward more expensive models with larger profit margins.
• The bill does not set any cap on how much suppliers can charge above the Medicare payment, leaving beneficiaries with no limit on their potential financial liability.

Tradeoffs

The bill expands access to premium wheelchair materials under Medicare but shifts some cost responsibility from the program onto individual beneficiaries; patients gain more choices while potentially bearing higher personal expenses depending on what suppliers charge.

Current status in Congress: In committee.

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