New Year and New Energy in the Fight for Prosthetic Coverage 

By: Morgan Sheets, National Advocacy Director

As a new year begins, we have a lot to celebrate. This past year, bills were introduced throughout the country, three new laws were signed and we had hearings on prosthetic parity in over a half-dozen states.   

Rhode Island, California and Massachusetts passed bills to ensure prosthetic coverage.  In all three states, the efforts at the grassroots level really made a difference.  Activists called and wrote letters into the offices of elected officials at every level.  With the launch of our new Advocacy Action Center and the enhanced toolkit for state organizers, the opportunities and resources for activists will only increase.  We are also launching a volunteer program out of our national office. 

Efforts by members and volunteers were also key in the many successful hearings that were held.  In the most recent hearing in Pennsylvania, both the chairman and the lead sponsor committed to passing HB 2718 in 2007.  Their enthusiasm was only increased by the dozens of letters that had been printed in local papers and the many activists who turned out to testify.  It is exciting to hear such a strong commitment from elected officials, but we definitely have a lot of work to do.  

Legislative sessions will commence in most states this month.  We have been working with committees in 11 different states in preparation to launch bills in the 2007 session. From Oklahoma to New York and Texas to Michigan, we will be working hard to advance bills to protect prosthetic coverage.   

The ACA has met with individuals and groups all over the country in our efforts to expand the national campaign for prosthetic coverage.  At the beginning of 2006, we were working with eight committees.  As we go into the next year, there are nineteen different states building initiatives for parity.  We will continue to identify new opportunities to broaden our efforts. 

The national campaign really grew this year.  The ACA opened an office in downtown Washington, D.C., and hired a second staff person to assist with the campaign.  We held meetings in several states to help organize parity efforts.  And new campaign committees sprung up all over the country.   

We will continue to offer day to day technical assistance to the committees.  We also have a plethora of new resources to offer activists including our online Advocacy Action Center, several new research studies, and our improved organizing kit. 

The past year brought many successes.  With the continued commitment of industry partners, volunteers and activists, the next year is sure to be even more exciting! 

To get involved in the ACA’s campaign for prosthetic coverage, contact the Advocacy Staff at 202/742-1885 or state@amputee-coalition.org.