We are sad to say that Governor Rell recently vetoed HB 5021, which included coverage for prosthetic devices.  The governor vetoed several other bills including a bill related to health and nutritional information in restaurants and a green jobs bill. 

What’s next?  We still have a chance.  If the governor vetoes a bill when the legislative session is over, the legislators come back for a three-day veto session about two weeks after the governor's last action.  That means we need to act fast.

CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE AND SENATOR TODAY!!  Urge them to override the veto of House Bill 5021 in order to protect access to prosthetic devices and provide amputees with the care they need!

ü       Contact information for senators can be found at: http://votesmart.org/official_state_legislator.php?type=office&state_id=CT&criteria=upper.

ü       Contact information for representatives can be found here: http://votesmart.org/official_state_legislator.php?type=office&state_id=CT&criteria=lower.

ü       If you do not know who represents you, click here: www.cga.ct.gov/maps/Townlist.asp.  

SAMPLE PHONE MESSAGE: Hello.  My name is ____.  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 support an override of this veto.  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.

Employers are actively seeking new ways to reduce health care costs without jeopardizing their ability to attract and retain workers.  Employee wellness programs help to decrease healthcare costs, reduce absenteeism, and increase productivity. Wellness programs are designed to maintain or improve employee health before problems arise.  Many employers credit the implementation of wellness programs for productivity gains in areas such as reduced errors, improved efficiency and improved decision making. 

House Bill 5021 also 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. 

Please, support an override of the governor’s veto of HB 5021.  Allow this important bill to go into effect to help support programs and care aimed at maintaining and improving the health of amputees. 

Sincerely,

  NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE

Please, also take a moment to express your disappointment to Governor Rell TODAY!

ü       Phone: 860-566-4840

ü       E-mail: Governor.Rell@ct.gov

SAMPLE PHONE MESSAGE:  Hello.  My name is ____.  I am from _____.  I am calling to express my disappointment in 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 the governor to support measures that assist amputees in the future. 

SAMPLE E-MAIL:

Dear Governor Rell,

  I am writing regarding your 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.

Employers are actively seeking new ways to reduce health care costs without jeopardizing their ability to attract and retain workers.  Employee wellness programs help to decrease healthcare costs, reduce absenteeism, and increase productivity. Wellness programs are designed to maintain or improve employee health before problems arise.  Many employers credit the implementation of wellness programs for productivity gains in areas such as reduced errors, improved efficiency and improved decision making. 

House Bill 5021 also 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. 

The main justification for vetoing HB 5021 appeared to be 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. 

Preventing disease and complications is an essential part of any health plan. I urge you to support those measures that help to maintain and improve the health of amputees and other individuals in Connecticut. 

Sincerely,

  NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE

Make your calls TODAY!!  Please, let us know if you receive a response to your action.