Complex‑rehab technology (CRT) suppliers, clinicians and national advocates told the Bethel committee they need clearer Kansas Medicaid (KMAP) guidance and administrative fixes to avoid interruption of medically necessary mobility equipment for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Multiple witnesses — representatives of National Seating & Mobility, NewMotion, Adaptive Imports and clinicians accredited as assistive‑technology professionals — described problems with recent KMAP policy language and implementation that they said can create delays and unnecessary equipment downtime.

Repair prior authorization: Suppliers asked KDHE to confirm that routine repairs and parts identified during an annual preventative maintenance check may be repaired and billed the same day without additional prior authorization and without a separate prescription unless KDHE specifically requests documentation. Suppliers urged the committee and KDHE to remove ambiguous or redundant documentation requirements and warned that complex and repeated prior‑authorization steps can leave beneficiaries without wheelchairs for days or weeks. KDHE’s new guidance raised concerns, witnesses said, because parts and labor are often needed the same day a safety inspection reveals a problem.

Pediatric transport versus wheelchair coding: Witnesses said some pediatric transport products are being categorized as consumer strollers when the product is a medically coded pediatric wheelchair (PDAC wheelchair codes e1231–e1238). They asked KDHE to ensure that equipment confirmed by PDAC as a wheelchair is treated as DME and funded according to appropriate codes and coverage criteria.

Power seating, elevating leg rests and headrests: National and local ATPs told the committee certain KMAP exclusions risk denying medically necessary features. They requested KDHE adopt the national coverage criteria for newly recognized accessories (for example, power seat elevation accessory e2298) and to remove blanket statements that power seat elevation, power tilt or power recline are not covered. They also asked KDHE to allow coverage of power elevating leg rests when medically indicated (for example where reclining backs make conventional footrests unusable) and to adjust headrest criteria so beneficiaries who need them for positioning or safe vehicle transport are not denied.

Stakeholder process and oversight: Multiple witnesses called for KDHE to involve clinicians, certified seating clinics, suppliers and beneficiary representatives in writing KMAP policy updates and recommended forming a DME subcommittee to review coding, coverage, repair rules and pricing rather than implementing unilateral MCO or administrative guidance.

Ending: Speakers said prompt policy clarification and streamlined repair authorization would reduce wheelchair downtime, avoid medical complications and prevent costs associated with emergency care and institutionalization. Several requested follow‑up meetings with KDHE and the committee staff.

Provenance: Stakeholder testimony to the Bethel committee; witnesses included CRT suppliers, clinicians and national association representatives.