Prosethic Parity Bill introduced in U.S. Senate

From the Amputee Coalition of America:

Historic Bipartisan Bill Introduced in U.S. Senate Requires Meaningful Health Insurance Coverage for Amputees

Amputee Coalition of America Supports the "Group Health Plan Prosthetics Parity Act of 2008" Introduced by Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA)

Washington, DC, September 19, 2008—A historic bipartisan bill was introduced today in the U.S. Senate that would require health insurance companies to provide meaningful coverage for prosthetic care. The bipartisan bill, S. 3517 the "Prosthetics Parity Act of 2008," is co-sponsored by Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Russell Feingold (D-WI) and supported by the Amputee Coalition of America. The bill is designed to ensure that amputees covered by employer-paid health insurance are able to access the prosthetic care they need to lead full and independent lives...

ACA Donation Drive

For those concerned about prosthetic parity legislation and other policies that affect those with limb differences, the Amputee Coalition of America is asking for donations to continue its advocacy efforts at the state and federal level.

Limb Difference Web Round-Up: Prosthetic Parity Efforts Across the Country

A collection of recent limb difference related items from around the web:

• ACA launches federal prosthetic parity legislative push
• Nebraska and Iowa amputees hope for help with insurance caps on prosthetics
• Tennessee prosthetic parity supporters launch their state effort

Limb Difference Web Round-up: Alaska Parity Campaign

A collection of recent limb difference related items from around the web:

• Spina Bifida sufferer and amputee completes the Ironman Triathalon
• ChickSpeak Blog profiles actress and congenital amputee Aimee Mullins
• ACA launches Alaska prosthetic parity legislative campaign

Limb Difference Web Round-up: Nerve Powered Prosthetics

A collection of recent limb difference related items from around the web:

• Chicago physiatrist advances nerve powered prosthetics
• Health columnist focuses on challenges for the amputee community
• ACA expands its advocacy department

Limb Difference Web Round-up: New ACA Headquarters; i-Limb Hand

A collection of recent limb difference related items from around the web:

• The Amputee Coalition of America celebrates its new headquarters
• Project Valour-IT seeks voice activated laptops for wounded troops
• The Onehandedblogger updates on his i-Limb hand

PA legislation seeks better coverage for artificial limbs

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

Some health insurance plans in Pennsylvania evaluate coverage for prosthetics on a case-by-case basis or limit coverage to as low as $1,000 per year and one prosthetic over a lifetime, even for young children who will outgrow the devices, said the Amputee Coalition of America, which is advocating for better coverage.

State Rep. Bernie O'Neill, R-Bucks, wants to change that.

He has introduced legislation that would prohibit insurance companies from instituting lifetime caps on prosthetic devices. The change would set a uniform standard across the state, Mr. O'Neill said at a recent Capitol press conference

Without legislation ensuring coverage, insurers may reduce or eliminate coverage for prosthetics, he said.

People who are born without limbs or lose them to amputation face many obstacles, he said. "Not being able to pay for limb replacement to return to work or lead productive lives shouldn't be among them," he said.

Upcoming ACA Volunteer Night

If you happen to be in the Washington, DC metro area, The Amputee Coalition of America is organizing another volunteer night for Wednesday, May 16 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. ACA is located at 1436 U Street, NW, Suite #104 , between 14th and 15th Street. You can RSVP to Jeremiah Perez at (202) 742-1885 or jperez@amputee-coalition.org

ACA needs volunteers to help with activities in support of prosthetic parity legislation it is currently advocating for in several states.

ACA Survey of Prosthetic Coverage Restrictions

The Amputee Coalition of America has released a survey that found a wide disparity between what private insurers will cover for prosthetic devices. The ACA is advocating at the state and federal level for legislation that requires all private health insurers to provide coverage for the "fitting, repair or replacement of a prosthetic device and/or component."

ACA Legislative Agenda

The Amputee Coalition of America is pushing legislation in 21 states in 2007 that would require insurers to provide coverage that allows policyholders to receive the prosthetic device they need. Here's how ACA frames the issue:

"In return for premiums paid for group health insurance, consumers expect to be covered for catastrophic illness or injury. Sadly, without legislation to ensure coverage, many people living with the loss or absence of a limb are facing discouraging obstacles when trying to obtain prosthetic care. Current changes in insurance plans are having a devastating effect on amputees and their families..."

The Coalition's online advocacy center includes a wealth of information on the issue and this initiative, including the status of legislation or coalition building in each state. The organization is also maintaining a blog specificly focused on its legislative campaigns. In a previous post I highlighted an upcoming volunteer night in DC that will help support the overall legislative effort. For more information on these efforts you can contact the ACA's Advocacy Dept. at (202) 742-1885 or appll@amputee-coalition.org.

ACA Volunteer Night in DC

The Amputee Coalition of America is organizing a "volunteer night" in DC on Wednesday, January 17th. According to the ACA advocacy page, the organization is pushing for prosthetic insurance legislation in 21 states in 2007 and is looking for volunteers to help support that effort. For more information you can contact Jeremiah at (202) 742-1885 or jperez@amputee-coalition.org.