Making Progress in the States

By: Dan Ignaszewski, National Advocacy Specialist

We began 2009 with 11 states that had passed prosthetic parity, and thanks to the hard work of our activists, we had another incredibly successful year! In 2009, we were able to introduce and pass prosthetic parity legislation in a record seven states. Laws were passed by state legislatures in Arkansas, Maryland, Virginia, Iowa, Texas, Missouri and Connecticut. These states present great differences in size, population, geographic location and political makeup. Such a diverse group of states passing prosthetic parity this year provides us significant momentum going into 2010. With 18 states having now passed prosthetic parity and a growing number of states continuing to advance legislation from this year or introduce legislation in 2010, we can be sure the momentum will continue.

Each of the bills requires insurers to provide meaningful coverage for prosthetic devices and care by creating a consistent standard for prosthetic benefits. The Maryland and Texas bills also provide coverage for orthotic devices. Enacting parity legislation prevents insurance companies from imposing special caps and exemptions that, in effect, make these very basic services cost-prohibitive for many people. The Amputee Coalition worked to provide technical assistance to the local campaign committees.

In some states, large groups are partnering with the Amputee Coalition to advance parity. In other places, one or two committed individuals work hard to coordinate with us and make it happen. In some instances, a prosthetic facility or local orthotic and prosthetic association steps up to the plate. The Amputee Coalition is deeply grateful to the hundreds of activists around the country who dedicate their time and efforts to advancing parity legislation at the state and federal level.

This is not a Republican or Democrat issue. Both Democrats and Republicans have sponsored this legislation in states throughout the country. Democratic and Republican governors have signed the bills into law. Unlike many mandated benefit bills, this is not an issue about costs or a possible threat to small businesses. In fact, it helps small businesses by providing their employees coverage that can get them back into the workplace for an average increase in insurance premiums of just 12 cents per member per month. These facts can’t be overlooked.

Prosthetic parity has become an issue that legislators understand is about access to care. They are voting to pass prosthetic parity because they know that it’s important for amputees to be able get access to the prosthetic care they deserve. The very reason people pay insurance premiums is to be covered for catastrophic illness or injury. Certainly, the loss of a limb qualifies, and when individuals have been paying these insurance premiums for years they should expect to be covered.

The Amputee Coalition is committed to advancing protections at the state and federal level. We are holding a series of organizing meetings this summer to ramp up support and mobilize activists for the various state campaigns. We are fighting for the hundreds of people who have shared their insurance woes at hearings and in lobby meetings. We are also fighting for the many people who are not aware of their lack of coverage.

Ignaszewski is the national advocacy specialist for the Amputee Coalition of America. He provides day-to-day technical assistance to the individuals and campaign committees working to advance state parity bills. He can be reached at state@amputee-coalition.org or 202/742-1885.