Article Summary –
An estimated 5.5 million Americans relied on wheelchairs by the end of 2024, with 70%-80% of these wheelchairs being manufactured in China; however, a 145% tariff was imposed on Chinese goods in 2025, affecting medical supplies like wheelchairs. Healthcare organizations expressed concerns about the tariffs leading to higher costs and supply chain disruptions for medical and dental supplies, impacting access to necessary treatments, especially in rural and underserved areas. The Trump administration faced pressure to exempt medical goods from tariffs, exacerbated by cuts to Medicaid funding, which could lead to millions losing insurance and further restricting access to essential medical supplies for disabled individuals.
By the end of 2024, approximately 5.5 million Americans relied on wheelchairs. The demand is increasing with an aging population. Notably, 70%-80% of electric and manual wheelchairs bought in the U.S. are made in China. In April 2025, former President Donald Trump imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese goods, including wheelchairs.
The “30-for-30” trade framework from last month’s U.S.-China summit excluded wheelchairs from tariff reductions on $60 billion of imported goods.
Before the tariff was enacted, 10 healthcare organizations sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. They warned of potential supply chain issues and higher costs for medical supplies, especially in underserved areas.
The letter expressed concern over the impact of rising costs on treatment outcomes and innovation, potentially causing longer wait times and financial strain on healthcare systems. Reimbursement rates for medical equipment are fixed by Medicare and Medicaid, but private insurers can negotiate. Tariffs often force suppliers to either absorb costs or pass them to patients.
In September 2025, Trump’s administration investigated national security implications of imported medical goods, including wheelchairs, to explore potential tariffs or quotas.
The American Hospital Association requested tariff exemptions on medical goods to prevent supply disruptions. The Alliance for Aging Research noted that older adults cannot endure cost increases without risks to health and quality of life.
In July 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by Trump, reduced Medicaid funding by $1 trillion over ten years, with estimates suggesting 11 million Americans could lose insurance.
Allie Gardner from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that Medicaid cuts worsen the tariff impact, limiting access to supplies needed by disabled individuals. Gardner explained this would pressure states to review eligibility and reimbursement, affecting coverage and care access.
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