Advocacy Update: CA and MA Join the Trend to Protect Access to Prosthetic Coverage

By: Morgan Sheets, National Advocacy Director

On September 7^th, Massachusetts became the fifth state to ensure comprehensive coverage for prosthetic care under the law.  After years of hard work by groups like the Massachusetts Society of Orthotists and Prosthetists and with support from the Amputee Coalition of America, Gov. Romney signed H5256 into law.   H5256 mandates that insurance plans provide coverage for prosthetics that equals the coverage provided for such devices under the federal Medicare laws. 

And just a couple weeks later, California became the sixth state to protect prosthetic coverage under the law.  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB 2012 on September 30^th.  The new law mandates that insurance plans offering benefits for orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) care must provide full coverage — without caps and co-pays that restrict access to prescribed devices.  The new bill will make certain that insured, working people can continue working and supporting their families.

The CA law also mandates that O&P providers will have met a standard level of competency to fit and furnish devices and services by being nationally certified.

The ACA’s Action Plan for People with Limb Loss has made tremendous progress in the past few months.  With the passage of three new bills --- RI, CA and MA --- a very solid foundation has been set for efforts across the country. 

Pennsylvania’s coverage bill, HB 2178, will be heard by the House Health & Human Services committee on October 19^th.  Activists from all over the state plan to be in attendance.  And a slate of supporters are scheduled to testify.  And we are still awaiting an Assembly floor vote in NJ.

The Amputee Coalition of America continues to hear from activists every month looking to start a coverage effort in their states.  Recent inquiries have come from OK, NC and IN. 

Finally, we are excited to announce that we will officially launch our brand new state organizing kit and our cutting edge online action center in November. 

With continued and increased support from individuals, practitioners and manufacturers, we will continue to build the momentum around prosthetic coverage!