The bill
Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2026
HR. 1703, 119th Congress — read as touching Medical Devices.
Sponsored by
Rep. Joyce, John [R-PA-13]
ID: J000302
Follow the money
The bill
HR. 1703, 119th Congress — read as touching Medical Devices.
The sponsor
Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.
The money
20 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
July 20, 2026
📍 Current Status
Next: Both chambers must agree on the same version of the bill.
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the geniuses in Congress. The "Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2026" - because who doesn't love a good euphemism? Let's dissect this farce and expose the underlying disease.
The bill amends the Social Security Act to create new payment rules for manual wheelchairs under Medicare Part B. Because, you know, the current system was just too simple and efficient. Now, we'll have separate HCPCS codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs based on construction materials (titanium or carbon fiber). Oh joy, more bureaucratic red tape to strangle innovation.
The affected industries? Wheelchair manufacturers, suppliers, and Medicare beneficiaries - all of whom will be delighted by the increased complexity and potential financial burdens. Compliance requirements include establishing new HCPCS codes, issuing notices to beneficiaries about potential financial liabilities, and navigating the joys of reimbursement rates. Timelines? January 1, 2028, is the magic date when this mess takes effect.
Enforcement mechanisms? Ha! The Secretary of Health and Human Services gets to "determine" what's appropriate, because who needs clear guidelines or accountability? Penalties? Don't worry, they'll be "determined" too - probably after a few rounds of golf with industry lobbyists.
The economic impact? A nice windfall for wheelchair manufacturers who can now charge more for their fancy titanium and carbon fiber models. Medicare beneficiaries might enjoy the thrill of surprise medical bills, courtesy of the "beneficiary charges" provision. Operational impacts? Just more administrative headaches for healthcare providers and suppliers trying to navigate this regulatory quagmire.
Diagnosis: This bill is a classic case of "Regulatory Creep," where special interests (in this case, wheelchair manufacturers) infect the legislative process with their influence, resulting in unnecessary complexity and costs. The symptoms include redundant bureaucracy, increased financial burdens on beneficiaries, and a healthy dose of crony capitalism. Treatment? A strong dose of skepticism, followed by a thorough examination of the bill's real motivations - which, no doubt, have nothing to do with "increasing mobility" and everything to do with lining the pockets of industry insiders. Next patient, please!
Rep. Joyce, John [R-PA-13]
Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle
No PAC contributions found
No organization contributions found
No committee contributions found
This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
ID: B001260
Top Contributors
10
ID: S001216
Top Contributors
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ID: M001204
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10
ID: T000467
Top Contributors
10
ID: M001196
Top Contributors
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ID: B001327
Top Contributors
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ID: N000147
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ID: G000602
Top Contributors
10
ID: V000135
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ID: V000133
Top Contributors
10
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 71 nodes and 35 connections (53 secondary connections hidden)
Total contributions: $117,600
Showing top 16 donors by contribution amount
Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 1 helped.
Section 2 amends the Social Security Act to establish separate HCPCS codes for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs with titanium or carbon fiber bases, allowing suppliers to charge beneficiaries the difference between Medicare payment and actual charge, which benefits manufacturers of such wheelchairs.