This bill would expand Medicare coverage to include fall prevention items such as grab bars, non-slip mats, shower chairs, and bed rails for eligible beneficiaries. The legislation modifies the Social Security Act to add these items to Medicare's covered durable medical equipment, but only when they are prescribed by a physician or other qualified healthcare practitioner. The bill affects Medicare beneficiaries, particularly older adults and people with disabilities who are at risk of falls, by potentially reducing their out-of-pocket costs for these safety devices. The legislation specifies that payments for these fall prevention items would be exempt from budget sequestration measures, protecting the funding from automatic spending cuts. The changes would take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law if enacted.
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