Celebrating a Victory in the Fight for Parity
By: Morgan Sheets
The Oregon State Legislature recently passed comprehensive coverage for orthotic and prosthetic care into law. Sponsored by Representative Peter Buckley and Senator Alan Bates, HB 2517 mandates that insurance plans offer coverage for orthotic and prosthetic care without caps and co-pays that restrict access to prescribed devices.
The bill also requires that individuals have access to coverage from at least two different providers, to allow for a degree of patient choice in the provision of their care.
The Oregon campaign kicked off in July 2006, with a series of meetings organized by the ACA along with the state organizers. The bill was introduced into the 2007 session. It was heard before the House Health Care Committee on Wednesday, February 14. The committee worked on negotiations with various supporters and opponents. It passed the House floor on April 23. The Senate passed it one month later. It is on its way to the governor’s desk for a signature. The ACA hopes that this law will help create momentum for the other state campaigns.
Pennsylvania is looking at a potential floor vote this summer. Insurance Committee Chair, Anthony DeLuca has assured the ACA that HB 317 will receive a public hearing. He believes it will be passed onto the floor. We feel confident that we have the votes to get it out of the House. That will leave the fall to lobby and work the bill through the Senate.
Indiana is one of the newest states in the national campaign. They are looking to ramp things up in July. On Tuesday, the 17th they are holding a statewide organizing meeting in Indianapolis. The ACA’s advocacy director will be there to help activists plan for the next steps in the campaign. Meetings with potential sponsors will also be held that week.
The ACA is also working with a number of partners at the national level to take steps towards introducing a federal bill. They recently met with Senator Arlen Specter (R) of Pennsylvania to discuss a Congressional effort. Specter sits on several key committees including the Veteran’s Affairs Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.
With petition drives, campaign organizing meetings and several outreach initiatives, the summer is certainly heating up for the national campaign!
Morgan Sheets is the National Advocacy Director (202/742-1885 or state@amputee-coalion.org).