Support Insurance Coverage for Prosthetics in Iowa!

Support Insurance Coverage for Prosthetics in Iowa! This Thursday, February 16th, the Senate Commerce Committee will hold a discussion on the proposed Senate Study Bill (SSB) 1281, a study bill requiring healthcare benefit coverage for prosthetic devices.
Home 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 The Prosthesis and Its Components - Choices, Choices and More Choices When to Help Your Child and When to Let Go A Message From the President & CEO Physical Activity Can Reduce Secondary Conditions in Youths With Limb Differences Building a Positive Body Image Prostheses for Children & Teens With Limb Differences - Issues and Expectations Questions to Ask Your Child's Doctor Resources ADVOCACY UPDATE: July/Aug 2005 inMotion ADVOCACY UPDATE: July/Aug 2005 inMotion Advocacy - NLLIC Topic of the Month - Nov. 2004 List of all advocacy related materials in the NLLIC onine catalog. Play golf with CT Legislators Ohio Parity Meeting Scheduled Taking a Bite out of APPLL: Paving the Way Toward Better Health The ACA is working to promote the importance of healthful living to people living with limb differences and healthcare professionals. Taking a Bite out of APPLL: Paving the Way Toward Better Health The ACA is working to promote the importance of healthful living to people living with limb differences and healthcare professionals. URGENT CALL TO ACTION for the National Limb Loss Information Center (NLLIC) URGENT CALL TO ACTION for the National Limb Loss Information Center (NLLIC) ADVOCACY UPDATE: Turning the Insurance Trend Around - InMotion Nov/Dec 2005 Whatever coverage our insurance plans are providing is in jeopardy. If the trend continues, we will have to pay more out of pocket for our future prosthetic devices. To prevent this scenario, we need to write letters to our state representatives about thi New Jersey Call to Action There are two bills in the New Jersey Legislature, Assembly Bill 2774 (A-2774) and Senate Bill 2752 (S-2752), which would revise the insurance law to require insurance carriers in the state to pay for Orthotic and prosthetic equipment using the same stand New Jersey Call to Action There are two bills in the New Jersey Legislature, Assembly Bill 2774 (A-2774) and Senate Bill 2752 (S-2752), which would revise the insurance law to require insurance carriers in the state to pay for Orthotic and prosthetic equipment using the same stand CALL TO ACTION - National Pain Care Policy Act of 2005 CALL TO ACTION - National Pain Care Policy Act of 2005 Good News in the Fight for Parity in New Jersey! New Jersey Parity Update Good News in the Fight for Parity in New Jersey! New Jersey Parity Update Working for Quality Care in Florida! On Wednesday, February 22, the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) joined the Florida Association of Orthotists and Prosthetists (FAOP) for an exhibition in Tallahassee at the capitol to reach out to legislators and their staff to raise awareness about the APPLL Heads to Chicago! Working for Prosthetic Parity in Iowa! Last week, in the midst of a snowstorm, the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on the proposed Senate Study Bill SSB 1281, a study bill requiring healthcare benefits for prosthetic devices. Prosthetic parity moving to a Senate vote in Iowa! Prosthetic parity moving to a Senate vote in Iowa! People With Diabetes Need Your Help! S. 1955, also known as the Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act, creates federal Association Health Plans (AHPs) that could jeopardize diabetes coverage for employees of small businesses, which is currently guaranteed in 46 sta Oppose Federal Attacks on Quality Healthcare Coverage! When the sponsors of the Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act of 2005 (S. 1955) introduced the bill last November, they claimed that it would expand healthcare access. The sponsors have continued to make these claims as the bil Increased Funding Needed for Healthcare Research and Programs in FY 2007 – ACA Needs You to Call Today! This Wednesday, the House Budget Committee is scheduled to vote on the House Budget Resolution, which sets the overall funding allocations for all federal spending. As currently drafted, the House Budget Resolution CUTS funding for medical research and p Join the Effort to Enhance NIH Rehabilitation Research! The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) is working with an alliance of 25 national organizations to raise the status of the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to an Institute or independen Senate Bill 1955 Pushed Back As a result of the nearly 20,000 messages sent to the U.S. Senate by people like you opposing Senate Bill 1955, the vote will be postponed for another week or so. NY Prosthetic Parity Organizing Meeting 5/16 You are invited to a community information and organizing meeting to discuss prosthetic parity in New York! Celebrating Victory! The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) has been working hard to oppose the Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act of 2005 (S. 1955), and we are excited to announce that this bill was defeated in the Senate on May 11! Prosthetic Parity Hearing 6/12/06! Prosthetic Parity Moving Forward in Pennsylvania! Tennessee Parity Organizing Meetings The Amputee Coalition of America invites you to a series of community information and organizing meetings to discuss prosthetic parity in Tennessee! Oregon Parity Meeting The Amputee Coalition of America invites you to a community information and organizing meeting to discuss prosthetic parity in Oregon! CALL TO ACTION - Urge Gov. Schwarzenegger to support A.B. 2012 We could be just days away from comprehensive coverage for orthotic and prosthetic care in California, but we need your help! CALL TO ACTION - Urge Gov. Schwarzenegger to support A.B. 2012 We could be just days away from comprehensive coverage for orthotic and prosthetic care in California, but we need your help! APPLL Core: Access to Care, August 2006 APPLL update on prosthetic coverage in the U.S. APPLL Core: Access to Care, August 2006 APPLL update on prosthetic coverage in the U.S. Help Improve Access to Assistive Devices Call to action for the "Medicare Independent Living Act of 2006" (S.3677) and to improve Medicare's regulation of assistive devices. Help Improve Access to Assistive Devices Call to action for the "Medicare Independent Living Act of 2006" (S.3677) and to improve Medicare's regulation of assistive devices. Help Improve Access to Assistive Devices Call to action for the "Medicare Independent Living Act of 2006" (S.3677) and to improve Medicare's regulation of assistive devices. Help Improve Access to Assistive Devices Call to action for the "Medicare Independent Living Act of 2006" (S.3677) and to improve Medicare's regulation of assistive devices. ADVOCACY UPDATE: Pennsylvania HB 2718 Hearing a Great Success! October 19, 2006 the Pennsylvania Health and Human Services Committee heard HB 2718, a bill requiring insurance companies to cover prosthetic devices and components. ADVOCACY UPDATE: Pennsylvania HB 2718 Hearing a Great Success! October 19, 2006 the Pennsylvania Health and Human Services Committee heard HB 2718, a bill requiring insurance companies to cover prosthetic devices and components. ADVOCACY UPDATE: ACA Activist Advocating Against Job Discrimination Dave Dunville, one of the leaders of the Michigan campaign for prosthetic coverage, is actively advocating for amputees' right to serve as firefighters. Stay informed by reading APPLL Core: Access to Care ADVOCACY NEWS: Activists Rally for Prosthetic Coverage Oregon Passes Important Amputee Healthcare Legislation After less than a year, Oregon just became the seventh state to sign parity into law. Prosthetic Parity Campaign Making Major Strides ACA's prosthetic parity campaign gains nationwide attention with 26 states making strides in the battle for coverage and a congressional bill in the beginning stages. ADVOCACY UPDATE: ACA Expands Advocacy Department There are many exciting things on the horizon for the ACA's advocacy department including a federal bill and a new staff person! Kicking for Kids Who Can't Event in Washington, D.C. Kicking For Kids Who Can't is an event taking place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on October 7th, 2007. Kids adults of all ages will kick with all of their might to raise money to benefit the Limbs For Life Foundation, a Non-Profit 501(c)(3), w Kicking for Kids Who Can't Event in Washington, D.C. Kicking For Kids Who Can't is an event taking place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on October 7th, 2007. Kids adults of all ages will kick with all of their might to raise money to benefit the Limbs For Life Foundation, a Non-Profit 501(c)(3), w UPDATE on the vote to override the president's veto of critical programs Many ACA members made calls andn sent e-mails to help override Bush's Veto of the FY 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations bill. Kelly, GA My daughter Naomi is 3 years old and had an above-knee amputation when she was 10 months old due to tibial hemimelia. I have been denied by every insurance company out there. They say she is "high risk.” One insurance agent actually told me, "I'm sorry, b "Birth defect doesn’t slow down East Buchanan freshman’s life." Read about Nathan West, a highschool football player who was born with a limb difference. A Trip of a Lifetime In September, Roderick Sewell went on the trip of a lifetime. Learn about Roderick's National Paralympic Academy experience at the Paralympic Games in China. Roger, OH I am the father of a son, Zachary Stephens, who is 25 years old and a left above-knee amputee. He lost his leg at the age of 9 after being thrown from a vehicle in a wreck in December 1992. Ralph, ME I have been a below-knee amputee since a 2005 motorcycle accident. Kathleen, MO I became an activist after losing my leg last year and fighting with my state-sponsored, self-funded health care program. They tell me that my leg is a "deluxe" item and therefore, not covered by my policy. Christina, WI My husband was injured at work on May 27, 2000. A co-worker struck him from behind while operating a forklift truck with a loaded pallet of paint. My husband's left leg was crushed, and secondary injuries were sustained upon impact. Justin, OK My name is Justin Evans. When I was 18 months old, I lost my leg in a lawn mower accident. As a child, the Dept. of Human Services paid for my prosthetic device, but as an adult, I can’t afford it. Wendy I lost all limbs past the elbows and knees. No one has given me a direction or knows what direction I need to follow as far as prosthetics. Diane, AZ The most amazing thing to me was the day I went to my HR Dept at work to ask about our prosthetic medical insurance coverage. The medical insurance director was shocked and upset when she realized how uneducated she was when it came to the cost of prosthe Adele, OH On July 03, 2008, I was involved in an industrial work-related accident. I was struck behind by a tow mower. I was then lifted to Cleveland Metro Hospital, and in an effort to save my life, my left foot was amputated. Rick, OK I have been an amputee since 1995 and I am also an orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) assistant. As a physical therapist and an O&P provider, I can testify to the unjust, unethical protocols of insurance companies. Christopher, MA I cannot work and I had to spend about $36,000 to convert my house so I could come home from rehab. Does anyone out there know any way that I can get back any of this money from the state or federal systems? Kathrine, CA I was a passenger in a roll-over accident in May 2007. The doctor tried to put my foot back together, but it was dying. Consequently, they did a partial foot amputation. Jack, NJ On April 5, 2008, my right leg was amputated above the knee. On May 14, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas said they had received all the paperwork from the prosthetic company to start the claim. It took 4 weeks for them to deny the claim. Joseph, FL The prosthetic leg that I have now is awkward, restraining and uncomfortable. My insurance company, Humana, will only allow me to have a basic prosthesis that will provide minimal function. They have recently changed their policy so that anything else is Long Overdue, Telecast Isn’t Short on Emotion It is a 90-minute, continuous “Oh my” journey with amputee sprinters and swimmers, wheelchair basketball players and racers, a paralyzed shot-putter, a sailor with Lou Gehrig’s disease, and Marin Morrison, a swimmer devastated by a brain tumor. Share Your Holiday Giving Spirit with the Amputee Coalition of America The Amputee Coalition of America Congratulates Paralympic Athletes BAMC mentors heal more than just wounds Artificial arm a true gift After gator attack, man gets rare assistance, a high-tech prosthetic limb BAMC offering new program for amputees Amputee Coalition of America Names New President and CEO Training and Certification for Military Amputee Peer Visitors Vermont Amputee Wins Amputee Coalition Advocate Award Amputee Coalition of America Military Amputee Peer Visitor Program: Amputee Coalition of America Military Amputee Peer Visitor Program Dennis, NM One thing that I can say about this experience is that it has made me a stronger person and has taught me that you can do anything you set your mind to. I love Invacare’s slogan: “Yes you can.” Cheryl, KS If I didn’t have my Medicaid, I don’t know what I’d do. Even still, Medicaid has its limits. After my amputation, I was trying to get bath rails, toilet seats and things of that nature. Medicaid told me these things weren’t considered a necessity. This i Gwen, NV I am a Certified Prosthetist Orthotist of 25 years. Each year more and more insurance companies are cutting the prosthetics and orthotics from their plans or introducing limits that are not realistic. My office manager is an above-knee amputee with a job. Losing to win. Amputees find help through peer visitors, support group Losing to win. Amputees find help through peer visitors, support group Renew or extend your Amputee Coalition of America membership now, before rates go up! Major O&P Organizations Reach Agreement on Minimum Standards for Providers and Suppliers of Custom Orthotics and Prosthetics Rawlings Named Adaptive XC Coach Longtime cross country and alpine club coach Greg Rawlings is the newest addition to the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team.	This Thursday, February 16th, the Senate Commerce Committee will hold a discussion on the proposed Senate Study Bill (SSB) 1281, a study bill requiring healthcare benefit coverage for prosthetic devices. People living with the loss or absence of a limb face discouraging obstacles when trying to obtain prosthetic care. Current changes in insurance coverage for prostheses threaten their ability to lead independent, productive lives that contribute to society, leaving them instead dependent on state and federal programs. Unable to afford prostheses, people with limb loss are at risk for dangerous and costly secondary conditions. SSB 1281 will ensure parity (i.e., healthcare benefit coverage for prosthetic devices will, at a minimum, be equal to the coverage that is provided for under federal laws). The Commerce Committee is holding their hearing on Thursday, February 16th at 1 pm. This is your chance to urge legislators to support the coverage of prosthetic care. Take action today! Contact the Committee today to tell them to support SSB 1281! A sample e-mail with talking points is included below. Jerry Behn (R, District 24), Co-Chair jerry.behn@legis.state.ia.us Steve Warnstadt (D, District 1), Co-Chair steve.warnstadt@legis.state.ia.us Jeff Angelo (R, District 48) jeff.angelo@legis.state.ia.us Daryl Beall (D, District 25) daryl.beall@legis.state.ia.us Joe Bolkcom (D, District 39) joe.bolkcom@legis.state.ia.us Thomas G. Courtney (D, District 44) thomas.courtney@legis.state.ia.us Michael E. Gronstal (D, District 50) michael.gronstal@legis.state.ia.us Steve Kettering (R, District 26) steve.kettering@legis.state.ia.us Charles W. Larson, Jr. (R, District 19) chuck.larson@legis.state.ia.us Matt McCoy (D, District 31) matt.mccoy@legis.state.ia.us Paul McKinley (R, District 36) paul.mckinley@legis.state.ia.us Tom Rielly (D, District 38) tom.rielly@legis.state.ia.us Roger Stewart (D, District 13) roger.stewart@legis.state.ia.us Ron Wieck (R, District 27) ron.wieck@legis.state.ia.us Brad Zaun (R, District 32) brad.zaun@legis.state.ia.us Mark Zieman (R, District 8) mark.zieman@legis.state.ia.us Sample E-mail Dear Senator, I am urging you to support SSB 1281, a study bill requiring healthcare benefit coverage for prosthetic devices, when it comes before the Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday, February 16th. People living with the loss or absence of a limb are facing discouraging obstacles when trying to obtain prosthetic care. The long-term effects of newly available prostheses and orthoses include less pain, decreased dependence on caregivers, and a reduced chance of diabetes-related complications leading to limb amputation, and other secondary conditions. This results in a overall reduction of medical costs and enables people with limb loss to function in society instead of being dependent on it. Every day in this country, children are born with missing limbs, teenagers have amputations as a result of cancer and adults lose limbs to diabetes. Right now, many people with limb loss are being told that their insurance company restricts them to one prosthesis per lifetime or to $2,500 or less per year in prosthetic care. That is why your support is so important. Please, support SSB 1281 and protect coverage for prosthetics in order to ensure that people with limb loss are given the opportunity to lead a full and productive life. Sincerely, Your Name and Address For further information, contact ACA’s APPLL National Campaign Director at 202/302-4373 or msheets@amputee-coalition.org.
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