As we approach the 2024 Senate elections in Pennsylvania, it is essential that we rally behind the Democratic candidate who has proven his commitment to the people of the state time and time again. That candidate is none other than Bob Casey.

Bob Casey has been a strong voice for the people of Pennsylvania since he was first elected to the Senate in 2006. He has fought tirelessly to protect the rights of working families, support small businesses, and promote economic growth across the state. He has been a champion of healthcare reform, advocating for accessible and affordable healthcare for all Pennsylvanians.

Throughout his years in the Senate, Bob Casey has consistently prioritized the needs of his constituents over partisan politics. He has worked across the aisle to find common ground and pass legislation that benefits the people of Pennsylvania. He has also been a vocal advocate for women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and civil rights.

As we look towards the future, it is crucial that we have leaders like Bob Casey in the Senate. He has proven time and time again that he has the experience, dedication, and passion to fight for the people of Pennsylvania and make a real difference in their lives.

So, let's come together and
show our support for Bob Casey as he runs for Senate in 2024. Together, we can
ensure that our voices are heard and that Pennsylvania continues to have a
strong and effective leader in the Senate.

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August 9, 2024

Casey, Duckworth, Blackburn Urge Medicare Agency to Cover Devices that Give People with Disabilities More Mobility and Independence

In bipartisan letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Senators called for the agency to provide Medicare coverage for standing elevation systems in power wheelchairs Standing elevation systems allow some people with disabilities to stand, improving health outcomes and providing greater independence Senators: “The absence of Medicare coverage for these systems leaves many beneficiaries without access to critical technology that can significantly improve their health outcomes and quality of life” Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) called on the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) extend Medicare coverage to include a device which would help some Americans with disabilities get around more easily and live healthier and more independent lives. In the bipartisan letter, the Senators urged the agency to cover standing systems embedded in power wheelchairs, which currently are not covered by Medicare. The letter comes after the Senators successfully pushed the agency to provide Medicare coverage for seated elevation systems last year. The Senators wrote: “These [standing] systems enable users to achieve a standing position, which can greatly enhance their independence, improve metabolic functions, reduce the risk of secondary complications, such as pressure sores and osteoporosis, and improve their overall physical and mental well-being. The absence of Medicare coverage for these systems leaves many beneficiaries without access to critical technology that can significantly improve their health outcomes and quality of life.” Currently, Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities are forced to pay out of pocket for standing systems in power wheelchairs—life-changing durable medical equipment that empowers users to independently conduct mobility-related activities of daily living, or outright denied access because they can’t afford such equipment out-of-pocket. Read the full letter here or below: Dear Administrator Brooks-LaSure: We write to express our gratitude for the recent decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to cover seat elevation systems in Group 3 power wheelchairs under Medicare. This is a significant step forward in improving the quality of life for Medicare beneficiaries who rely on these complex rehabilitative technology wheelchairs. However, we remain concerned that CMS has not yet initiated a National Coverage Analysis (NCA) for standing systems in these wheelchairs. As you know, standing systems in Group 3 power wheelchairs offer essential benefits to individuals with severe disabilities. These systems enable users to achieve a standing position, which can greatly enhance their independence, improve metabolic functions, reduce the risk of secondary complications, such as pressure sores and osteoporosis, and improve their overall physical and mental well-being. The absence of Medicare coverage for these systems leaves many beneficiaries without access to critical technology that can significantly improve their health outcomes and quality of life. Our previous letter, dated October 14, 2021, highlighted the necessity for CMS to consider coverage for both seat elevation and standing systems. While we commend the agency for addressing the seat elevation component, the omission of standing systems from this coverage determination falls short of fulfilling the comprehensive needs of certain patients. Given the substantial evidence supporting the medical necessity and benefits of standing systems, we urge CMS to promptly open an NCA to evaluate the inclusion of these systems under Medicare coverage. This action is crucial to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries who require these advanced wheelchair features are not left behind. We appreciate CMS's commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through thoughtful policy decisions. Opening an NCA for standing systems in Group 3 power wheelchairs aligns with this commitment to provide equitable access to vital rehabilitative technology, as well as to support advancing the development of rehabilitative technology for Medicare beneficiaries. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your favorable consideration and swift action to improve Medicare beneficiaries’ health and independence. Sincerely, Senator Tammy Duckworth Senator Marsha Blackburn Senator Bob Casey ###

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