Substitute House Bill No. 7106 seeks to improve the process and requirements for wheelchair repairs under Connecticut's medical assistance program, effective July 1, 2025. The bill stipulates that the Commissioner of Social Services will not require a new prescription or prior authorization for the medically necessary repair of a customized wheelchair if the original prescription is less than five years old. It mandates coverage for the repair or replacement of customized wheelchairs for Medicaid recipients and introduces definitions for terms such as "authorized wheelchair dealer," "complex rehabilitation technology," and "timely repair." The bill also establishes a framework for timely repair requests and responses from authorized dealers.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of authorized wheelchair dealers, including maintaining accessible communication for repair requests and ensuring timely responses. It requires dealers to submit monthly reports on wheelchair repairs to the Commissioner of Social Services until February 1, 2026, after which quarterly reports will be required. The Office of the Healthcare Advocate is tasked with managing consumer complaints regarding repair issues and conducting a public awareness campaign about consumer rights related to wheelchair repairs. The bill also terminates the Complex Rehabilitation Technology and Wheelchair Repair Advisory Council on February 1, 2026, and modifies the definition of timely repairs by tolling the 10-day limit for delays due to parts delivery or prior authorization from insurers. Notably, House Amendment "A" removes provisions related to Medicaid coverage for transportation and preventative maintenance, as well as staffing requirements for wheelchair dealers.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 42-337, 42-338
HS Joint Favorable Substitute: 42-337, 42-338
File No. 518: 42-337, 42-338
File No. 948: 42-337, 42-338