As you know, the Prosthetic Parity Act (HR 5615) will create a fair, consistent standard for prosthetic benefits by requiring parity under employer-paid and group health insurance coverage.  But do you know if your local representatives are in support of this important legislation?

On July 22^nd, ACA staff and board members met with health care aides from the offices of members of the House Committee for Education and Labor including Rep. Davis (R-TN).  Our goal was to secure additional co-sponsors for the bill ---- these are basically lawmakers who put their name on the bill and encourage others to support it.

The bill must first pass through House Education & Labor, so we need support from committee members!   We need your help to get Rep. Davis (R-TN) to sign on to this important bill! 

TAKE ACTION TODAY!  Contact Rep. Davis TODAY and ask him to support HR 5615!  We have included contact information below along with a sample phone message and sample e-mail/letter. Please send an email to federal@amputee-coalition.org to let us know that you contacted Rep. Davis. This will help to successfully track our progress.

DISTRICT OFFICES:

City: Blountville, TN

Phone: 423-323-1235

E-mail: kate.bailey@mail.house.gov (Office Manager)

City: Morristown, TN

Phone: 423-317-7459

City: Washington, DC 20515

Phone: 202-225-6356

Go ahead and contact multiple offices!

SAMPLE PHONE MESSAGE:  Hello.  My name is _____.  I am from _____.  I am calling in regards to HR 5615, the federal Prosthetic Parity Act.  This bill creates a consistent and appropriate standard for prosthetic care.  It is important legislation for amputees throughout the country!  The bill has strong, bipartisan support.  I urge to sign on as a co-sponsor and support HR 5615!

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Representative ___,

Most people do not understand what the prosthetic needs are of amputees, let alone the rehabilitation and therapy process to walk again, or hold a loved one in their arms. Prosthetic care is a cost item, which most people cannot afford.  That is why we pay for insurance coverage, to cover for those unexpected health costs anyone of us may face.

Tragically, there is a trend among insurance companies to limit coverage options.  In some cases, they are even eliminating coverage for prosthetic care.  That is why Representatives Rob Andrews, George Miller, Todd Platts, Lincoln Diaz-Balart and Mario Diaz-Balart introduced HR 5615 --- to create a consistent and appropriate standard for prosthetic care. 

The Amputee Coalition of America worked with allies to develop a bill that balances the needs of amputees with the interests of the business community.  We are looking to you to help advance this common sense legislation. 

This legislation supports people with limb loss in their efforts to recover and be active persons by preventing unjust limits on their insurance coverage.  It is time for Congress to step up and protect access to this very basic and essential medical care.  I urge you to support HR 5615.  Please, sign on as a co-sponsor today.  

If you would like to be added as a cosponsor of HR 5615, please have your staff contact either Carlos Fenwick (Robert Andrews) at carlos.fenwick@mail.house.gov or Towner French (Lincoln Diaz-Balart) at towner.french@mail.house.gov.

Sincerely,

Name, Address, Phone 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

If you wish to schedule a meeting with your Legislator(s), contact svanpay@amputee-coalition.org for more information.

Find out more about what is going on in your state, click here: http://www.amputee-coalition.org/absolutenm/anmviewer.asp?a=330&z=18