DID YOU KNOW?  The Maryland and Virginia state legislatures recently passed parity legislation.  This is incredibly exciting, but we still need a federal bill in order to provide protections for health plans regulated at the federal level. 

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GET THE FEDERAL PARITY BILL RE-INTRODUCED AND KEEP IT MOVING!!! 

• House members will be home in their districts April 6-17th. 
• Senators are in the district April 2-9th. 

Take action!  Stop by your members’ district offices or make a call in the next week to help keep up the momentum behind this important legislation! 

Background:  As most of you know we had nearly 200 people gather in Washington, DC last month, for our second annual lobby day. This event allowed individuals the opportunity to meet with their legislators, share their personal stories and urge them to support the Prosthetic & Customized Orthotic Act.

Status:  We are working with our lead sponsors --- Senators Snowe and Harkin and Representatives Miller and Andrews --- to get the bill re-introduced

What’s Next?  In an effort to keep the momentum going, I am writing to urge you to contact your Senators’ and Representatives’ local offices during the Congressional recess this month. 

What can I do?

• Set up an in-district meeting (a chance to actually go in and talk with them or their staff).  We have included the district office information below.
• Drop off information at the office (an opportunity to introduce yourself, show public support and push for their support).    We have a great one pager on the parity bill available at: http://www.amputee-coalition.org/armsandlegsarenotaluxury/lobby_parity_flyer.pdf.
• Make calls to the district offices while they are home expressing your support for the federal parity legislation.

SAMPLE PHONE MESSAGE: “Hello, my name is __________ and I am from _________[CITY].  I am calling to urge Senator/Representative___________ to support the Prosthetic & Customized Orthotic Act of 2009. This bill will help to ensure that amputees can get the care they need to live productive and independent lives. Thank you for your time.”

Please, let us know if you have any questions or if we can be of assistance (202/742-1886 or federal@amputee-coalition.org).    

PLEASE, TAKE ACTION TODAY TO KEEP UP THE MOMENTUM BEHIND THE FEDERAL PARITY BILLL!
To determine who your Representative is, as well as obtaining their contact information, please click here: https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml

Click here for Senate Contact Information.

NOTE:  If you are able to set up a meeting and/or make a phone call to urge support of the bill, please let me know that you have done so. We carefully track our correspondences with legislative offices and would like to record all emails, phone calls and meetings that take place.

For more information or to get more involved in our work to increase and enhance access to care at the state or federal level, please contact us today (202/742-1886 or federal@amputee-coalition.org)!  You can also visit our Action Center at www.amputee-coalition.org/advocacy/index.html.