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Prosthetic Coverage Legislation: A Tool Kit for State Organizers

Sample Letter to the Editor in a State With a Bill in Progress

Dear Editor,  

Over 1.8 million Americans are living with limb loss or limb deficiency as a result of disease, trauma or birth defect. In return for premiums paid for group health insurance, consumers expect to be covered for catastrophic illness or injury. Sadly, without legislation to ensure coverage, many people living with the loss or absence of a limb face discouraging obstacles when trying to obtain prosthetic care.   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 remain working. This has a devastating effect on amputees and their families.  

The biggest concern anybody has about passing a new mandate is cost. People fear that increasing the cost of insurance will reduce access to healthcare, but the data has shown that prosthetic parity actually results in a savings in medical costs.

The provision of prostheses results in a variety of benefits, some of which are fiscal in nature, while others are more related to quality of life issues, such as the ability to lead productive lives and a reduction in the secondary conditions caused by a sedentary lifestyle.

The financial and social benefits provide a strong case for coverage. That is why the [STATE] legislature is considering a bill to ensure prosthetic coverage. I urge people to contact their legislators in support of this important bill.

Sincerely,

Name, Address, Phone

Make sure to check the submission guidelines before you send it in!

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