Parity is defined as equality or equal to something else. Therefore, we are asking that insurance coverage for prosthetic limbs be treated with equal consideration to other life and health issues such as wigs for cancer patients and fertility drugs for infertile couples.
Insurance companies across the state of Texas are capping or eliminating coverage for prosthetic devices. Every day more and more amputees face an unexpected financial crisis trying to pay for their prosthetic limbs. While an average below-knee prosthetic limb may start at $7,500, and a basic above-knee may start at $13,000, many insurance policies limit coverage to $2,500 OR LESS per year. The amputee is frequently called upon to fund the majority of the cost after having purchased medical insurance that was expected to cover the costs of a medical catastrophe after their deductible had been met.
Medical insurance is regulated on a state-by-state basis, therefore, any change in Texas prosthetic limb insurance coverage must come from Texans knowledgeable about the issues and who have a desire to ensure that every medically insured Texan is protected in the event of limb loss. If you are an amputee or know any amputees, we hope you will help in the effort to bring about change in Texas law. We need to provide prosthetic limb coverage on par with other catastrophic events.
Three states (Colorado, Maine, and New Hampshire) have passed prosthetic parity laws as a result of a grass roots movement. They understood that providing medically necessary
prosthetic limb devices means amputees can maintain their employment and activities of daily living that non-amputees take for granted. Eight other states have active, grass roots organizations currently involved in prosthetic limb insurance reform.
Amputees, families, and friends all over Texas can join forces with the Amputee Coalition of Texas (ACT) to make important changes that will affect so many of us. Since insurance reform is our first goal, the Texas Parity Group (a branch of ACT) is leading the charge for introducing legislation that will require equal and adequate prosthetic limb coverage. This is a grass roots effort led by amputees who welcome involvement and support from others who have an interest in seeing our common objective met. That objective is equality in insurance coverage with other catastrophic health issues. As we accomplish our goal, ACT will develop other branches with specific functions.
The initial organizational meeting was held August 13, 2005 in Dallas at the National Conference of the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA). There were 17 amputees and the ACA’s parity consultant present. The very basic ground work was begun. Currently, we are relying on email for communication regarding what task or tasks are being undertaken; for
instance, we need volunteers that are willing to make phone calls, write letters, provide copying equipment and paper, someone who is accessible to Austin to keep an eye on what is happening to other bills in legislation, finding people who “know” people that they can refer us to, fund raising ideas and follow through, and the list goes on and on and on. These are only a few of the ways you can volunteer your time, money, and/or mind.
There is a second meeting planned for possibly
October, 2005 and a third in
February, 2006, in Austin. Since participation is on a volunteer basis and since we have no budget as yet, all travel, lodging, and per diem expenses will be the responsibility of each attendee. Please reply as soon as possible if interested in volunteering and indicate whether you feel you would be able to attend the October and February meetings. We will need broad support from all across Texas to accomplish insurance reform in our state. Should you want more information or want to be a part of the effort but cannot make the next meetings, please let me know. Rest assured, there are plenty of ways to volunteer without attending in Austin. However, we do need a strong base of people to really get this project off the ground. We only have approximately 18 months to accomplish the first step.
Thank you for your interest !
Charlet Thompson, Texas Parity Point Person,
Richland Hills, TX 76118
cmmt827@charter.net
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