5.6 Million++ Americans are Living with Limb Loss and Limb Difference: New Study Published

Published February 14, 2024

SUMMARY

The Amputee Coalition’s newly commissioned study titled, Prevalence of Limb Loss and Limb Difference in the United States: Implications for Public Policy was published on February 14, 2024. Through collaboration with Avalere, part of Avalere Health, a US-based healthcare consulting firm, the Coalition conducted an analysis of insurance claims data to estimate the number of people currently living with limb loss and limb difference.

The findings indicate that in the United States today there are more than 5.6 million++ people living with limb loss and limb difference, of those are nearly 2.3 million+ people living with limb loss and another 3.4 million+ people living with limb difference. “Historically, individuals born with limb differences are a subgroup that has been all but ignored in previous research,” said Natalie Harold, Resource Development Manager. The “plus-plus” part of this 5.6 million++ figure acknowledges that the known estimate does not include everyone. Most notably, by using insurance claims data the study could only capture people covered under specific types of insurance. The analysis could not account for individuals who are uninsured or covered by Veterans Affairs or TRICARE. Data sources for this report include Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance claims.

“Information about those born with limb differences or those who undergo amputations is not data that is collectively tracked in a systematic way in the US. With this new information and evidence of increased prevalence we know there is a tremendous need for increased support and education, ensuring those living with limb loss and limb difference can thrive in their lives as they choose. We are now able to ground our work to improve quality of life outcomes and health policies for our community and those at risk of amputation with this prevalence data,” said Ashlie White, Chief Strategy and Programs Officer.

Prior to this critical study, researchers have relied on outdated predictions for estimating the limb loss population and the limited data that is available on the limb difference population within the United States. Updated prevalence estimates are needed to inform national advocacy efforts and policy initiatives that will increase the support the Coalition can provide to the growing community of people with limb loss and limb difference and improve their access to equitable care. Gaining a better understanding of this incredibly diverse community was the primary motivation behind the investment and the effort undertaken to yield this new information. With this endeavor, the Coalition remains the most trusted source of limb loss and limb difference statistics.

Key Information:
• 5.6 million ++ Americans are Living with Limb Loss and Limb Difference
• 2.3 million+ Americans are Living with Limb Loss
• 3.4 million+ Americans are Living with Limb Difference
• Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance claims were utilized for this analysis.
• The claims analysis did not account for individuals who are uninsured or covered by Veterans Affairs or TRICARE, accounting for the ++ in the total population of unaccounted Americans living with limb loss and limb difference.

Download the white paper

Please contact research@amputee-coalition.org with any questions or feedback regarding the study.