(Metairie, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today announced a major step forward on efforts with Team Gleason to provide better access to affordable medical equipment to people with disabilities. After pressure from Vitter, Team Gleason, and others, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is rescinding a designation that limited access for certain medical equipment, including the speech generating device that Steve Gleason uses. Gleason is a former NFL player with the New Orleans Saints who was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

“Allowing folks with physical limitations to live more independently is not a controversial issue and something we should all support,” Vitter said. “I’ll continue working on a permanent legislative fix, but in the meantime, CMS is rescinding their rule which makes certain equipment – like the speech device that Steve Gleason uses – too expensive for a lot of people. Team Gleason have also been super advocates for legislation that would help folks with disabilities to live fuller, more independent lives, and we’ll keep working on this.”

In April, Vitter urged CMS to reconsider their rule, which would reclassify certain medical equipment – particularly speech devices – into a different category, making them more expensive. Click here to read Vitter’s letter. CMS informed Vitter’s office that they are rescinding the rule and will be taking public comments to change the benefit category for speech generating devices that would allow for national coverage under Medicare.

Vitter is also the lead co-author of S. 948, the Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act, which would create a separate benefit category for Complex Rehab Technology (CRT), such as a power chair or speech devices, within the Medicare program. Read more here.

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