The Wheelchair Warranty Bill, is one of DPC’s and Stavros’s priorities from last session

The Wheelchair Warranty Bill, is one of DPC’s and Stavros’s priorities from last session.

The Wheelchair Warranty Bill, is one of DPC’s and Stavros’s priorities from last session. This bill, has been refiled by Rep. Jim O’Day and Sen. John Cronin (docket numbers HD.1845 and SD.212).
As a new bill, the Wheelchair Warranty Bill had a lot of traction drumming up media attention and ultimately passing the Senate unanimously. As we begin our advocacy for it this year, we want to demonstrate widespread support for this legislation, so we’re looking for other organizations and consumers across the state to sign on with their support.

Stavros often receives requests to replace or repair motorized wheelchairs. We do not have qualified staff members to adequately repair power chairs. Consumers typically contact their vendors who cannot serve them because the chair is either under warranty or needs prior authorization from whatever funding base paid for it. This is usually Medicaid. To receive prior authorization from the payer i.e. Medicaid can take as much as 1 month for approval before any action can be taken. In addition one has to wait for the vendor to order the part which can take another 6 weeks followed by a 1 to 2 week timeframe for a technician to repair the chair.

Requesting a repair for a power wheelchair can take as much as 6 weeks to be repaired and that is if all the moving parts work in your favor. Meanwhile consumers are left without wheels. This is equivalent to being left without legs. It’s difficult to imagine what it would be like to not have the means to travel. In addition, this long wait can cause depression, bedsores, and the serious sense of isolation. If one happens to be working, it could threaten their livelihood.

Please take a moment to call your local representative or Sen. to urge them to pass this bill.

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