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- ACA Names New Editor and Senior Editor
Knoxville, TN. -- Rick Bowers and Bill Dupes, employees in the Publications Department of the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA), have been promoted to editor and senior editor, respectively.
- Shark-Attack Survivor Accepts National “Free Spirit” Honor
Bethany Hamilton, a shark-attack survivor who overcame the loss of her left arm to return to the sport of surfing, has been acclaimed as a 2004 Free Spirit honoree.
- ADVOCACY UPDATE: Massachusetts Parity Bill
- ADVOCACY UPDATE: Estimate of Number of Persons Living with Limb Loss in NY State
- “The Best Thing in the World”
Raised in a small, supportive community, Jaymie Kraus didn’t learn about the adversities and opportunities of people with limb differences until she became an adult
- Colorado - Prosthetic and Orthotic Adult Benefit Summary
Providing Medicaid coverage for prosthetics saves money for states
- Massachusetts Financial Impact Statement for Prosthetic Coverage
Review and evaluation of proposed legislation to mandate coverage for certain prosthetic devices: H. 837
- Colorado - Prosthetic and Orthotic Adult Benefit Full Report
Providing Medicaid coverage for prosthetics saves money for states.
- NY Parity Bill introduced to NY Senate & Assembly
If we are to get these bills passed in this and other states we have to make a bigger noise than other groups also looking for mandates!
- APPLL Update: State Parity - May/June 2005 inMotion
- Bidding Demonstration: Setting the Record Straight for Prosthetic Consumers
- Do's and Don'ts of A Legislative Visit
- Steps to Effective Advocacy
- How Can I Get Help From My Congressional Representatives?
- ADVOCACY NEWS: Licensure vs. Certification: How It Can Affect You!
- Computerized Limb Coverage: A Letter to Practitioners and Bibliography
The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) has joined together with manufacturers of myoelectric and computerized devices, and beneficiary representatives, to work on reversing certain imprudent medical policies regarding coverage of these de
- The Power of Peers
This article looks at the importance of peers in providing guidance and emotional support when faced with an amputation.
- Peer Visitor Support of Recent U.S. Military Amputees
This article takes a look at the peer visitation program in place at the Amputee Center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
- Facing Amputation Surgery: The Value of Peer Contact
This article talks about the value of peer support for amputees.
- Funding Raising for Your Support Group
This fact sheet discusses support group member involvement in fundraising. Ideas for different types of fundraisers are included as well.
- Starting a Support Group: The Basics
Starting a support group is a responsibility, a challenge, and a very meaningful experience. This fact sheet offers a listing of some basic steps needed to start a support group. Steps were compiled from successful support groups and organizations all ove
- Understanding ACA's Peer Network
This fact sheet offers an explanation of ACA's national peer network. Details covered include the network's purpose and how it works, as well as the required training for peer visitors.
- Giving Back - Couples Who Peer Visit
This article takes a brief look at couples that do peer visitation as part of the Amputee Coalition of America's National Peer Network.
- When Your Support Group Needs Support
This article takes a brief look at resources for support groups.
- You Don't Have to Deal With Amputation Alone
This article takes a brief look at the Amputee Coalition of America's National Peer Network.
- Peer Contact for Parents of Children with Congenital Amputation
Karen Neimanas discusses the role of peer visitor when parents are confronted with the birth of a child with a congenital limb difference.
- Notes from the medical director: first and foremost, listen!: lessons learned from mentors and peer visitors
Doug Smith, ACA Medical Director, discusses the important role that mentors can play in our lives and how a peer visitor can become a mentor.
- Communicator: Newsletter for amputee support group leaders
This site contains links to both HTML and PDF versions of the Communicator newsletter published for amputee support group leaders.
- On-line communication resources for those with limb loss
Resources for amputees or family members of amputees who would like to communicate with other amputees via Internet bulletin boards or e-mail lists.
- APPLL Executive Summary
Learn about ACA's Action Plan for Persons with Limb Loss (APPLL)
- Advocating For Your Child
- ACA Announces New Publication for Parents
The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) is proud to announce the release of Expectations: Parenting Children and Teens With Limb Differences. This 36-page resource guide addresses some of the issues parents face after giving birth to a baby with a limb dif
- Cancer Was The Easy Part
- ACA Names New Staff Writer
ACA announces the appointment of Scott McNutt as staff writer.
- A Circle of Friends - The Power of Peer Support
- Amputees From Around the Nation to Converge on Capitol Hill to Support Fair Insurance Coverage for Artificial Arms and Legs
- Amputees From Around the Nation to Converge on Capitol Hill to Support Fair Insurance Coverage for Artificial Arms and Legs
- Amputees From Around the Nation to Converge on Capitol Hill to Support Fair Insurance Coverage for Artificial Arms and Legs
- More Than 150 Amputees to Converge on Capitol Hill
- More Than 150 Amputees to Converge on Capitol Hill
- Bipartisan Bill Introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives Will Ensure Equal Health Insurance for Amputees
Bill Recognizes Importance of Mobility for Americans With Disabilities
- Otto Bock HealthCare Supports Parity Campaign With $15,000
- Members of Congress Receive Legislative Awards From National Amputee Organizations
- Ossur Commits $20,000 to Amputee Coalition of America’s Parity Campaign
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- Amputee Coalition of America Now Accepting Applications for the Christina Skoski, M.D., Scholarship
The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) is now accepting applications for the second annual Christina Skoski, M.D., Scholarship until March 15, 2010
- Amputee Coalition of America Now Accepting Applications for the Christina Skoski, M.D., Scholarship
The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) is now accepting applications for the second annual Christina Skoski, M.D., Scholarship until March 15, 2010.
- The Amputee Coalition of America Reaches Out to Amputee Survivors of the Haiti Earthquake
- The Amputee Coalition of America Reaches Out to Amputee Survivors of the Haiti Earthquake
- The Amputee Coalition of America’s List of Priorities for Helping Haitian Amputees
- The Amputee Coalition of America’s List of Priorities for Helping Haitian Amputees
- How You Can Help
- How You Can Help
- Medical Resources
- Medical Resources
- Haiti Relief Action Center Contacts
- Haiti Relief Action Center Contacts
- Haiti Relief News and Media
- Haiti Relief News and Media
- Hanger Orthopedic Group to Donate $250,000 in Funding and Orthopedic Devices to Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts
- Hanger Orthopedic Group to Donate $250,000 in Funding and Orthopedic Devices to Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts
- Prosthetics Outreach Foundation Haiti Fund Aids Quake Victims
- Prosthetics Outreach Foundation Haiti Fund Aids Quake Victims
- Physicians for Peace and Old Dominion University to Sponsor Collection Drive for Haiti’s Injured and Disabled
- Physicians for Peace and Old Dominion University to Sponsor Collection Drive for Haiti’s Injured and Disabled
- Amputee Coalition Board Member Pat Chelf Interviewed by MSNBC
“From initial fittings and supply of prosthetics to ongoing adjustments, repairs and replacements, the demand for artificial limbs will be intense, expensive – and long-lasting, said Chelf.”
- Amputee Coalition Board Member Pat Chelf Interviewed by MSNBC
“From initial fittings and supply of prosthetics to ongoing adjustments, repairs and replacements, the demand for artificial limbs will be intense, expensive – and long-lasting, said Chelf.”
- Haiti Relief Action Fund
- Hanger Announces Nationwide Limb Drive to Benefit Haiti Earthquake Survivors
- Hanger Announces Nationwide Limb Drive to Benefit Haiti Earthquake Survivors
- Help For Haitian Amputees
- Help For Haitian Amputees
- NH High-Tech, Prosthetics Companies Help Haitians
- NH High-Tech, Prosthetics Companies Help Haitians
- Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr. Introduces National Limb Loss Awareness Month Resolution
Representative John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) has introduced a resolution to designate April as National Limb Loss Awareness Month.
- Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr. Introduces National Limb Loss Awareness Month Resolution
Representative John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) has introduced a resolution to designate April as National Limb Loss Awareness Month.
- Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr. Introduces National Limb Loss Awareness Month Resolution
Representative John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) has introduced a resolution to designate April as National Limb Loss Awareness Month.
- ACA and MSNBC.com Work Together to Connect Amputees in U.S. and Haiti
- ACA and MSNBC.com Work Together to Connect Amputees in U.S. and Haiti
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Annapolis, MD, May 7, 2009 – A Maryland bill designed to ensure fair insurance coverage for artificial arms and legs was signed into law by Governor Martin O'Malley today.
The bill, known as the Prosthetic Parity Act, requires insurers to provide meaningful coverage for prosthetic devices and better care for people with limb loss by creating a consistent standard for prosthetic benefits. This removes special caps and exemptions placed on prosthetic and orthopedic care that made these very basic services cost prohibitive for many individuals. Because of its potential to help people with limb loss keep their jobs, take care of their families, and live healthy, active lives, the bill was strongly supported by the Amputee Coalition of America, the premier nonprofit organization working on behalf of people with limb loss.
“Unfortunately, many amputees have nightmarish stories of fighting with insurance companies to try to get the prosthetic devices they need to simply work and live,” explained Kendra Calhoun, president and CEO of the Amputee Coalition. “People pay their monthly health insurance premiums and expect their coverage to take care of catastrophic situations like losing a limb. This is the very reason people purchase health insurance.”
House bill (HB) 579 was introduced by Delegate Heather R. Mizeur (D) with 24 cosponsors. It was passed by a vote of 127-8 on March 25. Senate bill (SB) 341 was introduced by Senator Catherine E. Pugh (D) with 16 cosponsors. It was passed by a vote of 41-2 on March 20. Sponsorship of the bills was highly bipartisan.
When Lorenzo Smith’s right leg was amputated a few years ago at age 12, Maryland didn’t have a law ensuring that he would receive meaningful prosthetic care. His mother, Albertha Jackson-Smith, vividly recalls the tragic day she had to explain to her young son that he couldn’t have an artificial leg because the family’s insurance wouldn’t cover it.
“Thanks to the leadership of the Maryland General Assembly and Governor O’Malley, people with limb loss in Maryland can now get the care they need to get back to work and live independent, productive lives,” said Morgan Sheets, the national advocacy director for the Amputee Coalition. “Spread across the insurance pool, the cost of prosthetic care is less than a dollar per month. The cost to the healthcare system in the long run of not providing prosthetic
care far exceeds that of providing it. Additionally, the lack of productivity caused by inadequate prosthetic care places a huge burden on society.”
Five states (MD, IA, AR, VA and TX) have already passed prosthetic parity legislation this year. These states join the 11 other states (CO, ME, NH, CA, MA, RI, OR, NJ, IN, VT and LA) that have previously enacted laws.
The Amputee Coalition is now working with activists throughout the country to advance similar state legislation. Additionally, the nonprofit organization is working to get a federal prosthetic parity bill re-introduced in the 111th Congress.
“We are fighting for people like Lorenzo Smith and even for those people who are not aware of their lack of coverage,” said Sheets, “but it’s a difficult battle. Insurance companies have a powerful voice, and the Amputee Coalition and our citizen lobbyists are like David taking on Goliath. Still, with the support of those like Governor O’Malley and the Maryland General Assembly, we believe that we can help win this victory for American families.”
About the Amputee Coalition of America
The Amputee Coalition, based in Knoxville, Tennessee, with an advocacy staff in Washington, D.C., is a national nonprofit organization that empowers people who have experienced amputation or are born with limb differences through education, support and advocacy. For more information about limb loss, please visit the Amputee Coalition Web site at www.amputee-coalition.org or call 888/267-5669.
Photos available by contacting Rick Bowers, Communications Manager.
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