TAKE ACTION (we only have a few days)!  We must keep up the fight!  Reach out to your family and friends, and get everyone to call their local legislators to encourage them to vote to override the veto on HB 5021!  There's still a good chance we can get prosthetic parity passed this session, but members need to hear from you!

CALL YOUR LEGISLATORS TODAY!   

Use the link provided to enter your address to determine who your local legislator is:

http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp

SAMPLE PHONE MESSAGE: Hello.  My name is ____, and I am from _____.  I am calling regarding Governor Rell’s decision to veto House Bill 5021.  This bill not only encourages wellness promotion to prevent costly health issues, but also provides coverage for prosthetic devices which allow amputees to remain independent and productive.  I urge you to vote to override the veto of HB 5021 when it comes up for a vote next week.  Arms and legs are not a luxury.  Help provide amputees with the care they need! 

SAMPLE E-MAIL:

Dear Representative/Senator ____,

I am writing regarding Governor Rell’s recent decision to veto House Bill 5021.  This bill not only supports coverage for wellness programs to prevent costly health issues, but also provides coverage for prosthetic devices which allow amputees to remain independent and productive.  I am writing to you to encourage you to vote to override the governor's veto of HB 5021 when it comes up for a vote.

House Bill 5021 creates a consistent standard of coverage for prosthetic devices.  This provides amputees with the care they need without restrictive caps or exemptions.  This will ensure that amputees are able to afford a well fitting prosthesis is order to maintain their health and activity, as well as to remain tax paying citizens. 

Arms and legs are not a luxury.  In return for the premiums that are paid in each month, an amputee should be provided adequate coverage for artificial limbs.  HB 5021 creates a fair and consistent standard for prosthetic benefits. 

In vetoing HB 5021, the governor claimed that she was concerned about costs.  This is a very short sighted way of looking at the overall healthcare picture.  Preventing illnesses and secondary complications is an essential part of saving dollars to individuals, employers and the insurance industry.  In addition many states have found the cost of coverage to be as little as eight cents per member per month.  States have also found there to be a cost savings to the state because amputees are able to come off of state programs and return to private insurance.

Please, support HB 5021 during the veto session and override the governor's veto of HB 5021.  HB 5021 allows amputees in Connecticut to reach their full potential.  Please, take action to push this important legislation through this year!

Sincerely,

  NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE

Background:

As you know, Governor Rell recently vetoed HB 5021, which included language providing coverage for prosthetic devices.  If the governor vetoes a bill when the legislative session is over, the legislators are coming back for a three-day veto session and have a chance to over-ride the veto.  By contacting your legislators and the leadership, we have laid the ground work, but in order to get this passed we need to keep up the pressure and make sure the legislature does the right thing for amputees throughout Connecticut.  That means we need to act TODAY!