It’s Only a Half Mile...
by LIZ THOMPSON
...but it might as well have been 20. From our home to the Southwest Public Library in Grove City is a beautiful walk. There are trees, nice homes, sidewalks, a school and a park.
Doesn’t seem like a big adventure to most people, I’m sure. But to me it meant blowing the dust off my walker and filling up the basket under the seat with survival basics: my cell phone, an energy bar, a bottle of water, my wallet, and Kleenex. This type of planning has become second nature since I have been living with Multiple Sclerosis most of my adult life.
Donned in cool walking garb, off I trekked, hoping to spend some quiet time in one of my favorite places.
Since I am a relatively slow walker these days, I was able to take it all in. Being determined to make the hike successfully, I rested often.
I continued walking even as my legs became weaker. Stopping to rest again outside the Intermediate school on Park Street, it was fun watching the children jumping rope and listening to their sounds of laughter. I flashed back to my youth momentarily. Then I recalled when a few years ago, I was working at a school in Arizona spending much time outside with the children. Walking was not much of an issue then and I was more active.
But today, walking one-half mile was an effort. Another lesson learned. I could cry easily and feel sorry for myself but it would serve no purpose. After passing workers putting in a new sidewalk and admiring their work – and of course striking up a conversation – I had the library in site. I felt like skipping and I would’ve if I could’ve.
I conceded that it is too far to walk any more and called my husband, who picked me up later. Sitting in the library reading one of the books I had reserved, I thought through my brief journey. I found myself watching others. Libraries have always felt like a quiet haven all through my life and today was no exception. To me, life outside my limitations is far more interesting.
Any negative emotions of my short experience melted when my dogs greeted me wagging their tails furiously. I was home again, safe and ready to rest up for what was reasonable activity for me.
The trip was worth it just to push the proverbial envelope.
Reading the writing on the wall, so to speak, I decided to apply for a power wheelchair through Medicare. Approval is hopefully forthcoming. Since my application, via the Wheelchair Clinic and my neurologist at OSU, I have learned there is a chance I will be left without independent mobility.
Due to certain Medicare restrictions on reimbursement, Medicare Part B will only provide reimbursement for power wheelchairs or scooters that are used inside the home. For those who need a mobility device to get around in the community outside, reimbursement is denied.
Eliminating the “in the home” restriction is imperative to providing necessary and deserved mobility to people living with MS and other disabilities.
As an MS Activist with the National MS Society, I respond to requests to write my representatives on important issues, such as these, when sent from the NMSS.
Today I was asked to write to my representatives Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) asking them to help lift the “in the home” restriction by co-sponsoring legislation to do so.
The NMSS shares this information with activists:
“This is the same issue that MS activists have been pursuing for awhile. Senators Jeff Bingaman (NM) and Susan Collins (ME) have renewed interest in this issue by reintroducing the Medicare Independent Living Act (S. 2103). Statutory language currently is interpreted by Medicare to restrict coverage of mobility devices to only equipment considered reasonable and necessary inside a beneficiary's home.
“This legislation seeks to lift that restriction under Medicare Part B. S. 2103 is a companion bill to H.R. 1809, introduced in the House by Congressmen Jim Langevin (RI) and Jim Ramstad (MN) back in March. The issue has early support. The Senate bill was reintroduced with five co-sponsors, and the House bill now has 33 bi-partisan co-sponsors.”
I know-lots of legal jargon. But when you cut to the chase, if Medicare lifts the unnecessary in-home restriction, people like me can do simple tasks like get to the library or a neighbor’s home safely. We won’t be confined to our own four walls.
You can help thousands of people with disabilities in five minutes. Go to this Website and follow the instructions looking for your representatives. The letter is written for you: http://capwiz.com/nmss/issues/.
As I sit on our front porch, I wave at passers by on bikes and in cars – and they wave back. I’d like to be on a power chair one day waving at my neighbors as I roll to the library.
Liz Thompson is a freelance writer and former SNP reporter who lives in Grove City with her husband, Bob.
Printed in Suburban News Publications
10-10-07
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