Federal Issues

Fair Insurance Access

The Amputee Coalition continues to work on the Federal "Fair Insurance for Amputees Act" (formerly the Prosthetic and Orthotic Parity Act).  A bill has been introduced in the Senate (S. 773), and the House of Representatives (H.R. 4175).  Given the makeup and changes within the 112th Congress, we continue to build relationships with new members, and are approaching past supporters to urge them to support fair insurance access and independence for the limb loss community.

To see the bill and sponsors in the 112th Congress, please see below:
Senate Bill for 2011-2012
House Bill for 2011-2012

We finished the 111th Congress with over 30 bi-partisan cosponsors in the House, which is a great success given the harsh climate over health care reform. However, it's important that we continue to contact additional legislators to ask them to sign on so we can advance this legislation in the 112thCongress. By building the number of cosponsors, and raising awareness of the issues facing the limb loss community, we have a better chance to hold a committee or subcommittee hearing. This is the next, very important step and we need your help. Visit our Grassroots Advocacy Center, for our sample call scripts and emails and contact your legislators.  Share your voice and make a difference for the limb loss community by asking them to support fair insurance access for prosthetics and custom orthotics!

For a list of sponsors in the 111th Congress, please see below:
House Bill for 2009-2010
Senate Bill for 2009-2010

Limb Loss Awareness Month

The Amputee Coalition has identified April as "National Limb Loss Awareness Month."  In 2011, we saw nearly 40 states sign Gubernatorial Proclamations declaring April as Limb Loss Awareness Month.  In 2012,  President Obama signed a letter expressing support for Limb Loss Awareness month, and again nearly 40 Governors signed proclamations in their state.  These proclamations have already provided a significant platform for the limb loss community and raise awareness of prevention, education, support, and other issues affecting the limb loss community, as well as provide a time to recognize, celebrate, and support the limb loss community.

Recognition for Limb Loss Awareness Month has taken several forms.  In the 111th Congress, we worked with Representative John Duncan from Tennessee to introduce H.Res 1056 which would designate April as National Limb Loss Awareness Month. Although the 112th Congress has decided not to pass resolutions, this was an important initiative for the Amputee Coalition that began our efforts for Limb Loss Awareness Month, and we were able to get bipartisan support from 18 cosponsors in our early efforts.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Issues

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), was passed in 1990.  The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.  The Amputee Coalition works with other partner organizations and coalitions on a broad array of issues that fall under the ADA, and we work to make sure members of the limb loss community are not discriminated against.  If you feel you have been discriminated against based on your disability, please contact the Amputee Coalition's National Limb Loss Information Center and allow us to help.

Funding for Amputee Programs and Research

The Amputee Coalition operates many programs and services through a collaborative agreement with the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and works through a grant within the CDC to provide services for the National Limb Loss Information Center, our Peer Support Network, the Kids Camp, our Publications, and even the library. No CDC funding is ever used for lobbying purposes. This funding is imperative to providing the resources and services we do, as well as working toward preventative programs and awareness. In addition, we are working with members of Congress, the National Institute of Health, the Veterans Administration, the Department of Defense, and other agencies, to encourage investments in funding and research to help support the limb loss community.  We are also working with the Medical Research and Materiel Command (MRMC) and Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC) to look at bringing technological advancements forward for members of the military and the general population.  You can also help by personally supporting the Amputee Coalition through our secure online donation form so that we can continue to provide the programs and services important to the limb loss community.

Would you like to get more involved?

Go to our Grassroots Advocacy Center, and get involved by contacting your legislators and sharing some of the information above.  Your voice and your personal experiences can make a significant difference in each of these initiatives. If you'd like to get involved in your state, go to our State Issues page and get resources and see what's happening in your state!

How to Contact your Legislators

The Amputee Coalition works on a broad range of Federal issues. This page provides information about how to contact your legislators and a background on several issues which are currently being addressed.  You can email the Amputee Coalition at federal@amputee-coalition.org or contact your legislators and share the issues that are affecting you.

Every person is represented by one member of Congress and two U.S. Senators: