TAKE ACTION:

If you have access to the Internet go to: http://ga3.org/campaign/takeaction to send a letter. You can also register to get updates on the issue.  The ITEM Coalition, an umbrella group of over 70 disability, aging, consumer and labor organizations, voluntary health associations and non-profit provider associations, has agreed to host this action center on its Web site, and we have set it up so that you can edit the letter to include your personal story. We urge you to share how this decision will impact your personal situation.

In your communications, please try to include the following points:

• The current policy restricts access not only to power wheelchairs but also to manual wheelchairs, punishing everyone with mobility issues.  It creates a situation where tens of thousands of people whose quality of life could be vastly improved may be denied access to a very basic means of mobility support. 
• Studies have shown that improving the mobility of people with disabilities and seniors saves Medicare millions of dollars over the cost it would incur if those same people lose their ability to live independently.
• While we commend the government for going after Medicare fraud, the current policy does nothing to prevent fraud and only harms innocent beneficiaries who need wheelchairs to maintain their independence and quality of life.