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Morgan Sheets

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Passes Important Amputee Healthcare Legislation 

Governor Ted Kulongoski just signed comprehensive coverage for orthotic and prosthetic care into law. Sponsored by Representative Peter Buckley and Senator Alan Bates, HB 2517 mandates that insurance plans offer coverage for orthotic and prosthetic care without caps and co-pays that restrict access to prescribed devices. 

The bill also requires that individuals have access to coverage from at least two different providers, to allow for a degree of patient choice in the provision of their care.

“Many people living with the loss or absence of a limb face discouraging obstacles when trying to obtain prosthetic care. This has a devastating effect on amputees and their families. That is why this law is so important,” said Morgan Sheets, the national advocacy director for the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA).  

When an individual discovers that prosthetic care is not covered, they may have to resort to using retirement or children's college savings to purchase a prosthesis in order to continue working. Some take mortgages out on their homes or try to get bank loans to get the prosthesis they need. This bill closes the coverage gap.  

There are significant fiscal and social benefits to covering prosthetics. A report released by the California Health Benefits Review Program (CHBRP) found that the increase in premiums for prosthetic provision would be about 15 cents per month.  

“For less than $2 per year, Oregonians will get the care they need to get back to work and live independent, productive lives,” added Sheets. “The subsequent cost to the healthcare system far exceeds that of providing prosthetic care, while the lack of productivity places a huge burden on society.”

“Individuals who have undergone some type of amputation, such as an arm, leg, hand or foot, and children who are born with limb loss or difference, face many obstacles in their recovery and in their daily routines. Not being able to pay for limb replacement to return to work or lead productive lives shouldn’t be among them,” said Forest Sexton, CPO, one of the lead organizers of the bill.  

The Oregon campaign kicked off in July 2006, with a series of meetings organized by the ACA along with the state organizers. The bill was introduced into the 2007 session. It was heard before the House Health Care Committee on Wednesday, February 14. The committee worked on negotiations with various supporters and opponents. It passed the House floor on April 23. The Senate passed it one month later and it went to the governor’s desk for a signature.  

“Our goal is to allow amputees to live their lives to the fullest, whether it is earning a living for themselves and their families or experiencing the everyday joys of life that are so often taken for granted,” added Dr. Matthew Bradley. Bradley is an orthopaedic resident with Oregon Health & Science University. He is also an amputee. He worked with Sexton and the ACA to advance this important legislation.  

Oregon is one of 26 states working with the ACA to advance legislation. Six states have already passed coverage into law.  The ACA hopes that this new law will help create momentum for their national campaign.