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.