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HF 427

A bill for an act providing for Medicaid coverage of power standing device equipment on power wheelchairs for Medicaid recipients with a permanent physical disability.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Turek

Medicaid MCOs would be required to cover power standing device equipment on power wheelchairs for recipients with permanent physical disabilities, upon request and medical necessit

Introduced, referred to Health and Human Services.
#disabilities #medicalassistance #wheelchairs
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 427

HF 427 — Summary

Overview

HF 427 is a bill introduced on February 17, 2025, and referred to the Health and Human Services committee. Sponsored by Turek (primary). The bill would require Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) that contract with the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to cover power standing device equipment on power wheelchairs for Medicaid recipients with permanent physical disabilities, upon request from the recipient.

Purpose and intent

  • To expand Medicaid coverage to include power standing device equipment integrated into power wheelchairs.
  • To support recipients’ independence, functional ability, health, and overall well-being by enabling standing without transferring out of the chair.
  • Establish a clear standard that coverage is available when the recipient has a permanent physical disability, as determined by DHHS.

Key provisions

  • Section: Medicaid Managed Care Organization Coverage of Power Standing Device Equipment on Power Wheelchairs

    • DHHS shall require all Medicaid MCOs contracting with the department to cover the costs of power standing device equipment on power wheelchairs.
    • Coverage is available upon the request of a Medicaid recipient.
    • Coverage must be considered reasonable and medically necessary for the recipient’s independence, function, health, and well-being.
    • Eligibility criterion: the recipient must be determined by DHHS to have a permanent physical disability.
    • Definition: “Power standing device equipment” means a standing feature integrated into a wheelchair base that allows the user to stand without needing to transfer from the wheelchair.

  • Explanatory note

    • The bill includes an explanatory section, which clarifies intent but does not constitute legislative endorsement.

Definitions

  • “Power standing device equipment” is defined for the purposes of the bill as a standing feature integrated into a wheelchair base enabling the user to stand without transferring from the wheelchair.
  • The term “permanent physical disability” is referenced as a determination to qualify for coverage, to be made by DHHS.

Who is affected

  • Medicaid recipients with permanent physical disabilities who use power wheelchairs and seek standing capability.
  • Medicaid managed care organizations that contract with DHHS.
  • DHHS as the determining authority for disability status and the implementing agency for coverage requirements.
  • Wheelchair and equipment suppliers could be affected by new coverage criteria and prior authorization processes.

Implementation and timeline

  • There is no specified phase-in period or effective date in the introduced text.
  • The requirement applies “upon request” from the Medicaid recipient, triggering coverage decisions through the MCOs.
  • The bill is in the introduction stage and has not yet been enacted into law; no accompanying funding or implementation timeline is provided in the text.

Financial and operational considerations

  • Potentially increased Medicaid expenditures due to coverage of power standing devices.
  • Additional administrative processes for determining permanent disability and for processing coverage requests under MCO contracts.
  • May prompt supplier participation and reimbursement considerations for power standing equipment.

Status and sponsorship

  • Introduced: February 17, 2025
  • Status: Introduced, referred to Health and Human Services
  • Primary Sponsor: Turek

Bottom line

HF 427 would extend Medicaid MCO coverage to power standing device equipment on power wheelchairs for recipients with permanent physical disabilities, contingent on medical necessity and recipient request, as determined by DHHS. It defines the equipment, clarifies the eligibility criterion, and places the coverage obligation on contracting MCOs. The bill is in early legislative stages with no specified funding or implementation timeline.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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