CALL TO ACTION: Oklahoma’s Fight for Prosthetic Coverage

In Your State: The ACA is working with practitioners and activists to start a campaign for prosthetic coverage in Oklahoma! We need your help!

YOU CAN HELP! You are probably aware that an increasing number of people living with the loss or absence of a limb face daunting obstacles from third-party payers when trying to obtain the prosthetic care they need to enable them to return to an active, productive lifestyle. That is why the ACA is working with activists across the country to introduce legislation requiring the coverage of prosthetic devices and components.

Making Progress: With help from the ACA and its members, Rhode Island, California and Massachusetts all passed legislation in 2006.

In Your State: The ACA is working with practitioners and activists to start a campaign for prosthetic coverage in Oklahoma! We need your help! YOU CAN HELP!

Donate: As we work to advance prosthetic coverage, we need the financial support of our members and supporters.

• Support our efforts to advance prosthetic coverage in Oklahoma.

Spread the Word: Help us spread the word by sending a letter to your representative, explaining the need for legislation to protect access to prosthetic coverage. This will help educate your legislator and demonstrate public support.

• Click here to find your representative.

We have included a sample letter below for your convenience.

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Representative/Senator ____,

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. That is why local patients, doctors and other community leaders are working with the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) in pushing for a bill for prosthetic coverage. Obviously, the biggest concern anyone has about passing a new mandate is cost. People fear that big jumps in the cost of insurance will reduce access to healthcare. None of us want to see health insurance costs pushed beyond the reach of the average consumer.

In actuality, the public sector would see savings because appropriate private insurance coverage prevents shifting costs to the public sector. Our best financial data to support this comes from Colorado. They were the first state to pass prosthetic parity legislation in 1998. A Department of Health Care Policy & Financing report found that the maximum increase in premiums for prosthetic provision would be about 12 cents per month. That’s less than $1.50 per year. That’s not going to push anyone off the insurance rolls or put anyone out of business. It will, however, get people the care they need to get back to work and live independent, productive lives.

Subsequent reports in Massachusetts and California also found that the cost to cover prosthetic devices would be minimal and would actually result in savings to the public and private sector. Both of these states passed bills requiring coverage in 2006.

Many hard-working people in Oklahoma are prevented from living full lives because they cannot get the care they need. I hope you will support the bill for prosthetic coverage!

Sincerely,

Name, Address, Phone

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CALL TO ACTION: Michigan’s Fight for Prosthetic Coverage

You are probably aware that an increasing number of people living with the loss or absence of a limb face daunting obstacles from third-party payers when trying to obtain the prosthetic care they need to enable them to return to an active, productive lifestyle. That is why the ACA is working with activists across the country to introduce legislation requiring the coverage of prosthetic devices and components. Making Progress: With help from the ACA and its members, Rhode Island, California and Massachusetts all passed legislation in 2006.

In Your State: The ACA is working with practitioners and activists to start a campaign for prosthetic coverage in Michigan! We need your help!

YOU CAN HELP!

Donate: As we work to advance prosthetic coverage, we need the financial support of our members and supporters.

Support our efforts to advance prosthetic coverage in Michigan.

Spread the Word: Help us spread the word by sending a letter to your representative, explaining the need for legislation to protect access to prosthetic coverage. This will help educate your legislator and demonstrate public support.

Click here to find your representative.

We have included a sample letter below for your convenience.

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Representative/Senator ____,

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. That is why local patients, doctors and other community leaders are working with the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) in pushing for a bill for prosthetic coverage. Obviously, the biggest concern anyone has about passing a new mandate is cost. People fear that big jumps in the cost of insurance will reduce access to healthcare. None of us want to see health insurance costs pushed beyond the reach of the average consumer. In actuality, the public sector would see savings because appropriate private insurance coverage prevents shifting costs to the public sector. Our best financial data to support this comes from Colorado. They were the first state to pass prosthetic parity legislation in 1998. A Department of Health Care Policy & Financing report found that the maximum increase in premiums for prosthetic provision would be about 12 cents per month. That’s less than $1.50 per year. That’s not going to push anyone off the insurance rolls or put anyone out of business. It will, however, get people the care they need to get back to work and live independent, productive lives.

Subsequent reports in Massachusetts and California also found that the cost to cover prosthetic devices would be minimal and would actually result in savings to the public and private sector. Both of these states passed bills requiring coverage in 2006.

Many hard-working people in Michigan are prevented from living full lives because they cannot get the care they need. I hope you will support the bill for prosthetic coverage!

Sincerely,

Name, Address, Phone

Read more!

CALL TO ACTION: Connecticut’s Fight for Prosthetic Coverage

You are probably aware that an increasing number of people living with the loss or absence of a limb face daunting obstacles from third-party payers when trying to obtain the prosthetic care they need to enable them to return to an active, productive lifestyle. That is why the ACA is working with activists across the country to introduce legislation requiring the coverage of prosthetic devices and components.

Making Progress: With help from the ACA and its members, Rhode Island, California and Massachusetts all passed legislation in 2006.

In Your State: The ACA worked with practitioners and activists in Connecticut to support a bill last session. Sponsored by Sen. Thomas J. Herlihy (R), SB 162 required health insurance coverage for prosthetic devices. The bill was referred to several committees, ending in the Joint Committee on Insurance & Real Estate. It did not pass before the session adjourned.

We are ramping up our efforts to reintroduce a bill for prosthetic coverage in the next legislative session, but we need your help!

YOU CAN HELP!

Donate: As we work to advance prosthetic coverage, we need the financial support of our members and supporters.

Support our efforts to advance prosthetic coverage in Connecticut.

Spread the Word: Help us spread the word by sending a letter to your representative, explaining the need for legislation to protect access to prosthetic coverage. This will help educate your legislator and demonstrate public support.

• Find your representative.
  
  
• We have included a sample letter below for your convenience.

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Representative/Senator ____,

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. That is why local patients, doctors and other community leaders are working with the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) in pushing for a bill for prosthetic coverage. Obviously, the biggest concern anyone has about passing a new mandate is cost. People fear that big jumps in the cost of insurance will reduce access to health care.

None of us want to see health insurance costs pushed beyond the reach of the average consumer. In actuality, the public sector would see savings because appropriate private insurance coverage prevents shifting costs to the public sector. Our best financial data to support this comes from Colorado. They were the first state to pass prosthetic parity legislation in 1998.A Department of Health Care Policy & Financing report found that the maximum increase in premiums for prosthetic provision would be about 12 cents per month. That’s less than $1.50 per year. That’s not going to push anyone off the insurance rolls or put anyone out of business. It will, however, get people the care they need to get back to work and live independent, productive lives.

Many hard-working people in Connecticut are prevented from living full lives because they cannot get the care they need. I hope you will support the prosthetic coverage bill in the 2007 session.

Sincerely,

Name, Address, Phone

Read more!

CALL TO ACTION: Iowa’s Fight for Prosthetic Coverage

You are probably aware that an increasing number of people living with the loss or absence of a limb face daunting obstacles from third-party payers when trying to obtain the prosthetic care they need to enable them to return to an active, productive lifestyle. That is why the ACA is working with activists across the country to introduce legislation requiring the coverage of prosthetic devices and components.

Making Progress: With help from the ACA and its members, Rhode Island, California and Massachusetts all passed legislation in 2006.

In Your State: The ACA worked with practitioners and activists in Iowa to support a bill last session. It passed through subcommittee on a unanimous voice vote, but it did not make it through the Senate before the session adjourned.

We are ramping up our efforts to reintroduce a bill for prosthetic coverage in the next legislative session, but we need your help!

YOU CAN HELP!

Donate: As we work to advance prosthetic coverage, we need the financial support of our members and supporters.

• Support our efforts to advance prosthetic coverage in Iowa.

Spread the Word: Help us spread the word by sending a letter to your representative, explaining the need for legislation to protect access to prosthetic coverage. This will help educate your legislator and demonstrate public support.

Find your representative. We have included a sample letter below for your convenience.

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Representative/Senator ____,

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. That is why local patients, doctors and other community leaders are working with the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) in pushing for a bill for prosthetic coverage. Obviously, the biggest concern anyone has about passing a new mandate is cost. People fear that big jumps in the cost of insurance will reduce access to health care.

None of us want to see health insurance costs pushed beyond the reach of the average consumer. In actuality, the public sector would see savings because appropriate private insurance coverage prevents shifting costs to the public sector. Our best financial data to support this comes from Colorado. They were the first state to pass prosthetic parity legislation in 1998. A Department of Health Care Policy & Financing report found that the maximum increase in premiums for prosthetic provision would be about 12 cents per month. That’s less than $1.50 per year. That’s not going to push anyone off the insurance rolls or put anyone out of business. It will, however, get people the care they need to get back to work and live independent, productive lives.

Many hard-working people in Iowa are prevented from living full lives because they cannot get the care they need. I hope you will support the prosthetic coverage bill in the 2007 session.

Sincerely,
Name, Address, Phone

Read more!

NEWS: ACA's advocacy efforts mentioned on NewsHour with Jim Lehrer

Transcript Originally Aired: September 19, 2006

New High-tech Prostheses Being Developed for Amputees

As the number of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with missing limbs rises, researchers are working on developing better high-tech prostheses for amputees.

Growing pains for prosthetics... JEFFREY KAYE: But steps forward in prosthetic technology have been accompanied by growing cost concerns. A state-of-the-art artificial leg, for instance, can come with a more than $30,000 price tag. Military amputees have the expense of their prosthetics covered by the government, but many in the civilian world don't have that advantage.

Laura Brumund lost her leg 14 years ago in an automobile accident. She's eager to get a new prosthetic leg with a computerized knee, but her insurer has twice denied her request for coverage.

LAURA BRUMUND, Amputee: They're saying that it's experimental knee, that it's not a necessity. You know, I'm 33 years old. I have a 4-year-old son I need to keep up with. And I'm pretty active. I'm in the gym, you know, three to five times a week. And I think it would be a perfect fit for me if I could get that knee.

JEFFREY KAYE: Parents with amputee children face another challenge: As the youngsters grow, their artificial limbs must be frequently replaced.

SARAH REINERTSEN: When I was a kid, my health insurance company said the policy originally stated we will give you one artificial leg for your lifetime. I was 7 years old when I had my amputation. How am I going to use the same leg for my entire life from the age of 7 on?

JEFFREY KAYE: Away from athletic competitions, Sarah Reinertsen has become an advocate for expanding insurance coverage to amputees.

SARAH REINERTSEN: They're capping now $1,100 for the lifetime of an amputee. So they're not saying, "Look, we'll only give you one leg." "We'll only give you one payout for $1,100 for your lifetime." Eleven hundred dollars isn't going to even get you the whole full leg. You know, my full prosthetic knee, foot, socket -- the socket is so expensive, because it's the custom part -- you're looking about $30,000 to $36,000, up to $40,000 for an above-knee amputee. So $1,100 isn't even going to get you a toe.

JEFFREY KAYE: To increase access to new artificial limbs, the Amputee Coalition of America is lobbying state governments to draft legislation requiring insurance companies to cover prosthetics. Such bills have passed in Colorado, New Hampshire, Maine and Rhode Island...

to read the entire transcription, click here.

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CALL TO ACTION: Tennessee’s Fight for Prosthetic Coverage

Challenges to Prosthetic Access: You are probably aware that an increasing number of people living with the loss or absence of a limb face daunting obstacles from third-party payers when trying to obtain the prosthetic care they need to enable them to return to an active, productive lifestyle.

A National Campaign for Prosthetic Coverage: In 2005, the ACA launched the Action Plan for People with Limb Loss (APPLL) and began introducing legislation at the state level that requires insurance companies to cover the repair and replacement of prosthetic devices and components.

Making Progress: In the past nine months, the ACA has supported prosthetic coverage efforts in eight states. We have also worked with and advised an additional four states in the early stages of a coverage initiative. And, with help from the ACA and its members, Rhode Island, California and Massachusetts all passed legislation in 2006.

In Your State: The ACA met with a group of activists and practitioners in February to discuss introducing a bill in Tennessee, and held a series of organizing strategy meetings over the summer. We are working with the Tennessee Society of Orthotists and Prosthetists and local activists to advance a bill in the 2007 legislative session.

YOU CAN HELP!
Donate: As we work to advance prosthetic coverage, we need the financial support of our members and supporters.

• Support our efforts to advance prosthetic coverage in Tennessee.

Spread the Word: Help us spread the word by sending a letter to your representative, explaining the need for legislation to protect access to prosthetic coverage. This will help educate your legislator and demonstrate public support.

• Find your representative. Click “House” in the left menu. Then click on “Find Your Legislator.”
  
  
• We have included a sample letter below for your convenience.

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Representative/Senator __________,

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. That is why local patients, doctors and other community leaders have joined the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) in pushing for a bill for prosthetic coverage. Obviously, the biggest concern anyone has about passing a new mandate is cost. People fear that big jumps in the cost of insurance will reduce access to health care. None of us want to see health insurance costs pushed beyond the reach of the average consumer.

In actuality, the public sector would see savings because appropriate private insurance coverage prevents shifting costs to the public sector. Our best financial data to support this comes from Colorado. They were the first state to pass prosthetic parity legislation in 1998. A Department of Health Care Policy & Financing report found that the maximum increase in premiums for prosthetic provision would be about 12 cents per month. That’s less than $1.50 per year. That’s not going to push anyone off the insurance rolls or put anyone out of business. It will, however, get people the care they need to get back to work and live independent, productive lives.

Many hard-working people in Tennessee are prevented from living full lives because they cannot get the care they need. I hope you will support the prosthetic coverage bill in the 2007 session.

Sincerely,

Name, Address, Phone

Read more!

CALL TO ACTION: Texas Fights for Prosthetic Coverage

Challenges to Prosthetic Access: You are probably aware that an increasing number of people living with the loss or absence of a limb face daunting obstacles from third-party payers when trying to obtain the prosthetic care they need to enable them to return to an active, productive lifestyle.

A National Campaign for Prosthetic Coverage: In 2005, the ACA launched the Action Plan for People with Limb Loss (APPLL) and began introducing legislation at the state level that requires insurance companies to cover the repair and replacement of prosthetic devices and components.

Making Progress: In the past nine months, the ACA has supported prosthetic coverage efforts in eight states. We have also worked with and advised an additional four states in the early stages of a coverage initiative. And, with help from the ACA and its members, Rhode Island, California and Massachusetts all passed legislation in 2006.

In Your State: The ACA is working with a group of patients and practitioners to advance a bill in the 2007 legislative session.

YOU CAN HELP!
Donate: As we work to advance prosthetic coverage, we need the financial support of our members and supporters.

• Support our efforts to advance prosthetic coverage in Texas.

Spread the Word: Help us spread the word by sending a letter to your representative, explaining the need for legislation to protect access to prosthetic coverage. This will help educate your legislator and demonstrate public support.

• Find your representative.
  
  
• We have included a sample letter below for your convenience.

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Representative/Senator ____,

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. That’s why local patients, doctors and other community leaders have joined the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) in pushing for a bill for prosthetic coverage. Obviously, the biggest concern anyone has about passing a new mandate is cost. People fear that big jumps in the cost of insurance will reduce access to health care. None of us want to see health insurance costs pushed beyond the reach of the average consumer.

In actuality, the public sector would see savings because appropriate private insurance coverage prevents shifting costs to the public sector. Our best financial data to support this comes from Colorado. They were the first state to pass prosthetic parity legislation in 1998. A Department of Health Care Policy & Financing report found that the maximum increase in premiums for prosthetic provision would be about 12 cents per month. That’s less than $1.50 per year. That’s not going to push anyone off the insurance rolls or put anyone out of business. It will, however, get people the care they need to get back to work and live independent, productive lives.

Many hard-working people in Texas are prevented from living full lives because they cannot get the care they need. I hope you will support the prosthetic coverage bill in the 2007 session.

Sincerely,

Name, Address, Phone

Read more!

NEWS: OPGA and POINT Health Launch Fundraising Initiative Supporting the ACA’s Prosthetic Coverage Efforts

OPGA and POINT Health Launch Fundraising Initiative Supporting the ACA’s Prosthetic Coverage Efforts

The Action Plan for People with Limb Loss (APPLL), the ACA’s campaign for prosthetic coverage benefits individuals as well as practitioners. More and more facilities are recognizing this and stepping up to support the campaign. The Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA) and POINT Health Centers of America recently launched a series of fundraising initiatives to support the ACA’s groundbreaking initiative.

“The ACA has been very effective in their advocacy for prosthetic coverage. This has a direct benefit on the patients and the practitioners in our network,” said Susi Ebersbach, the Director of Business Development for POINT Health Centers.

OPGA and POINT Health will officially announce their fundraising efforts at the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association’s national assembly in Hollywood, FL with a gift of $7,000. This gift will be presented at OPGA’s party, which is being held on Thursday, September 27th at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa.

OPGA and POINT Health sent a letter to their preferred suppliers and vendors in August asking them to match their pledge of $7,000. Several companies have made commitments to donate to the campaign. These companies will be acknowledged at the September 27th party.

OPGA and POINT Health are asking their members to donate to the ACA’s advocacy efforts. The party will also kick off a matching gift campaign among their 1200 member facilities. And they are offering an incentive. Every facility that contributes to the campaign will be entered into a drawing for a cruise in January.

They are hoping to raise at least an additional $7,000 through the matching gift efforts. This check will be presented to Paddy Rossbach, the President and CEO of the Amputee Coalition of America at the OPGA and POINT Health preferred vendor cruise in January.

In the past nine months, the ACA has supported coverage efforts in states throughout the country. Three of these states recently passed bills requiring prosthetic coverage --- Rhode Island, Massachusetts and California.

The ACA provides day to day technical assistance, assists states in implementing their grassroots and direct lobbying plans, works to educate and raise awareness among the general public and coordinate press outreach.

“The ACA is working hard to make sure patients get the coverage they need,” said Paddy Rossbach, the ACA’s President and CEO. “We need the support of practitioners and industry partners to continue to build and enhance our efforts.”

“I hope that all of our facilities will participate in the matching campaign. I would also
challenge other companies to raise funds to this important campaign,” said Jim Andreassen,
President of OPGA. “The impact and results of these efforts are important to us all.”

Read more!

NEWS: New Law Requires Policies to Cover Prosthetic Limbs

By Emily Sweeney, Globe Staff September 15, 2006

Governor Mitt Romney has signed a bill that requires health plans to provide coverage for prosthetic limbs. The law, which takes effect in January, also prohibits insurers from imposing annual spending limits specifically for artificial limbs.

Keith Cornell, a certified prosthetist and director of legislative affairs for the Massachusetts Society of Orthotists and Prosthetists, said the law aims to end "woefully insufficient" coverage provided by some insurance plans. "This is a tremendous relief to amputees who need this coverage," said Cornell. "We're looking forward to seeing policies change over the next year and get people the care they really need."

The costs of prosthetic limbs vary widely. For example, an arm carries a minimum price tag of $3,000, while a body-powered above-the-knee prosthetic can cost as much as $52,000. The average cost of a prosthetic limb ranges between $10,000 and $15,000.

Proponents of the legislation said that some insurers restrict coverage of artificial limbs by imposing annual caps or limiting benefits to one limb per lifetime.

"In recent years we've seen more and more insurers reduce or eliminate their coverage" for prosthetics, said Morgan Sheets, the advocacy director for the Amputee Coalition of America, a nonprofit group based in Knoxville, Tenn.
In a recent membership survey, the ACA found that 24 percent of its members had experienced reductions in healthcare coverage for prosthetics, and 4 percent had benefits eliminated altogether.Many people are unaware of inadequate coverage, she said, until the unthinkable occurs.

Steve Stempien is one example. Two years ago, he had no idea how much artificial limbs cost or how they were covered by his HMO insurance plan. Then, his leg became infected after surgery. The infection persisted and ultimately physicians had to amputate his left leg below the knee. When he was fitted for his prosthesis in November 2004, he expected that he would be responsible for a co payment and his HMO would cover the rest.
But he quickly learned that his health plan's $2,500 annual cap would only cover a fraction of the cost of his $15,000 prosthetic leg.

"It was a total surprise," said Stempien, 48, of Winthrop. "I'm still paying for it."He said he is pleased the legislation became law, and hopes his health insurer will boost the reimbursement rates for prosthetic devices to 80 percent, similar to the federal Medicare program.

Massachusetts is the fifth state to enact a law mandating prosthetic coverage. In 2001, Colorado was the first to pass a so-called "prosthetic parity law," followed by Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. California recently passed a similar measure, which will soon become law unless the governor vetoes it, according to the Amputee Coalition of America.
Several versions of the legislation have been filed in Massachusetts during the past five years. State Representative Joyce A. Spiliotis, a Peabody Democrat, was the lead sponsor of the bill Romney signed Sept. 7.

Emily Sweeney can be reached at esweeney@globe.com.
© Copyright 2006 Globe Newspaper Company.

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NEWS: Law Forces Insurance to Pay for Prostheses

Iraq war vets spurred awareness

TELEGRAM & GAZETTE
By M. Elizabeth Roman eroman@telegram.com

It could happen to anyone, anytime. But if a person loses a limb in Massachusetts, at least now by virtue of a new law, they’ll be assured comprehensive prosthetic care through their insurance company. On Sept. 7, Gov. Mitt Romney signed into legislation the so-called “prosthetic parity bill,” which will force insurance companies to pay reasonable costs for artificial limbs.

“This will insure that the tragedy of a child losing a limb is not compounded by forcing that child to spend the rest of their childhood in a wheelchair when help is readily available,” said Morgan Sheets, advocacy director for the Amputee Coalition of America, the national advocacy group for people with limb loss.

The organization, along with local chapters and the Massachusetts Society of Orthotics and Prosthetics, has been lobbying for the legislation for years. State Sens. Harriette L. Chandler, D-Worcester, and Brian A. Joyce, D-Milton, and Reps. David P. Linsky, D-Natick, and Joan M. Menard, D-Fall River, presented the bill.

The turning point, according to Ms. Sheets, came when the public’s awareness about complications of living with limb loss was highlighted by returning Iraq war veterans. “People slowly became aware (that many insurance companies didn’t cover prosthetics). But as soon as they did, they were outraged and ready to take action,” Ms. Sheets said. Ms. Sheets said the statistics on the rising incidences of diabetes also encouraged lawmakers to take action.

“We applaud Governor Romney for giving people the care they need to live independent, productive lives,” said Paddy Rossbach, president and CEO of the ACA. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the annual number of diabetes-related lower-extremity amputation increased from about 33,000 in 1980 to 84,000 in 1997. In 2002, the number leveled off to about 82,000.

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Prosthetic coverage coming up for a vote in New Jersey!

The prosthetic coverage bill continues to move forward in New Jersey, but we need your help!

The Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee heard A1011, a bill for prosthetic coverage, on June 12. After testimony from patients, prosthetists and Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) staff, they passed the bill out of committee. We now have a chance to pass it out of the Assembly. It will come up for a vote on the Assembly floor in the fall. Once that happens, we will be working to pass this very important bill through the state Senate.

→Contact your assembly member and senator today to urge them to support A1011!

• Ask your assemblyperson to support the bill when it comes before him or her for a floor vote in the fall.
  
• Urge your senator to support prosthetic coverage! It is important that we start to build support in the Senate now.
  
• Find your legislator and his or her contact information by clicking
  here

Sample E-mail/Letter

Dear Assemblyman/Assemblywoman/Senator ____,

I am writing in response to A1011, a bill for prosthetic coverage. Without legislation to ensure coverage, many people living with the loss or absence of a limb are facing discouraging obstacles when trying to obtain prosthetic care. That is why this bill is so important!Obviously, the biggest concern anybody has about passing a new mandate is cost. People fear that big jumps in the cost of insurance will reduce access to healthcare. None of us want to see health insurance costs pushed beyond the reach of the average consumer. Our best financial data on this, however, comes from Colorado, which, in 1998, was the first state to pass prosthetic parity legislation. A Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing report found that the maximum increase in premiums for prosthetic provision would be about 12 cents per month. That is less than $1.50 per year. That is not going to push anyone off the insurance rolls or put anyone out of business. It will, however, get people the care they need to get back to work and live independent, productive lives.

A1011 just passed the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee after very compelling testimony from patients, prosthetists and the Amputee Coalition of America, the national advocacy group for people with limb loss. I am writing to urge you to support A1011 when it comes before you.

Sincerely,
Name, Address, Phone

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Volunteer Opportunity for Washington, DC Metro Area!

The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) is excited to announce that Massachusetts and California have recently joined Colorado, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island in passing prosthetic coverage bills. Six states now have prosthetic coverage laws!

YOUR HELP COUNTS! To continue our success, we need the continued commitment of activists like you!

GET INVOLVED! The ACA would like to invite you to volunteer on Wednesday, September 13, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Volunteers will assist with organizing mailings for the Action Plan for People with Limb Loss (APPLL) fundraising efforts.

Pizza, salad and drinks will be provided.

WHAT: ACA Volunteer Night
DATE: Wednesday, September 13
TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m
WHERE: 1436 U Street, NW, Suite #104, Washington, D.C., between 14th and 15th Street.

For more information or to R.S.V.P., contact Jeremiah at 202/742-1885 or jperez@amputee-coalition.org.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: The closest Metro is U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo (Green Line). Our office can also be reached by several bus lines, including 52, 53, 54, 90, 92, 93, 96, 98, S1, S2 and S4.

PARKING: Metered parking is available on the street.

Again, thank you for your time and effort. Without your help, we would not be able to promote healthful lifestyles and improve access to prosthetic devices and care through prosthetic parity legislation.

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NEWS: MA Coverage Bill Signed into Law

Governor Romney signed H.5256 into law today! Massachusetts will have better benefits for amputees beginning 1/1/07!

This makes MA the fifth state to put protect prosthetic coverage under the law!

To see the bill: http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/house/ht05pdf/ht05256.pdf

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FEDERAL: Take Action Today to Help Improve Access to Assistive Devices!

The Amputee Coalition of America is proud to be part of the ITEM Coalition. The ITEM Coalition (Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid) has been working to support the “Medicare Independent Living Act of 2006” (S. 3677) and to improve Medicare’s regulation of assistive devices.

Legislation to Improve Access to Assistive Devices: Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), the “Medicare Independent Living Act of 2006” (S.3677) would modify Medicare’s restriction on “in the home” mobility devices such as wheelchairs and scooters.

Currently, the language regarding mobility devices is considered coverage for needs in the home. That means that they restrict coverage to only those mobility devices that are being used in the patient’s residence. That has a very negative impact on people who may be able to get around in their own home with out a wheelchair or scooter but require an assistive device if they want to leave their home. The bill was introduced on July 17th and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Regulations Limiting Access to Assistive Devices: Medicare just published its new local coverage determinations (LCDs) for power mobility devices (PMDs). Unfortunately, this new policy is even more restrictive. It will severely limit access to the most appropriate assistive devices for individuals with mobility impairments.

The new policy has an even more restrictive interpretation of the “in the home” requirement. This will prevent many people from receiving devices that could be used outside of the home.

Take Action to Improve Access to Assistive Devices!! Medicare must recognize the importance of access to assistive technology for people with disabilities! The policy is scheduled to go into effect on October 1, 2006. Contact your members of Congress today and urge them to delay the implementation of this restrictive LCD policy and support legislation to improve access to assistive devices!

Contact your members of Congress today to urge them to delay the implementation of the new LCDs and support S.3677!

It's easy! You can contact your Members of Congress via the Capitol switchboard toll-free at 1-877-224-0041. When you get through to their offices, you are generally asked to leave a message with their front desk person. That message is passed onto the staff person who works on issues related to the bill you are supporting or opposing. You can also e-mail them via their convenient online web forms.

-To find your representative and get their information, go to: http://www.house.gov/writerep/
-To find your senator and get their information, go to: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

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NEWS: Amputees Fight for the Right to Serve

Amputees Fight for the Right to Serve
By Sherry Metzger, MS

Amputees in protective services are proving that they can effectively serve the public across the nation as police officers, firefighters, and paramedics--without limitations. Some amputees originally pursued careers in these fields, knowing they had something to prove. Others returned to the line of duty after work-related or other accidents resulted in amputations. These emergency personnel are paving the way for other amputees who desire public service positions.

Disability rights advocates currently are helping those who would like to return to active duty by speaking with attorneys and equal rights organizations on their behalf. "It's a timely issue," says Morgan Sheets, national campaign director for the Amputee Coalition of America's (ACA) Action Plan for People with Limb Loss (APPLL). "We are currently working with people who were forced into disability retirement, not allowed to return to work [after amputations], and one woman who was kicked out of the Police Academy." Sheets explains that the ACA, an advocacy organization, works as a liaison to construct a network of contacts in the amputee's local area best suited to help…..

Read full article: http://www.oandp.com/edge/issues/articles/2006-09_02.asp

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NEWS: Chicken Soup book series seeking submissions

Do you have heart-warming, insightful and powerfully moving stories about what life has taught you and how to live life to its fullest? The authors of the New York Times Best-selling book series Chicken Soup for the Soul are currently seeking stories to be included in a new book tentatively titled "Chicken Soup for the Special Needs Community".

Through these stories, the readers learn how others facing similar challenges can learn to overcome the many obstacles they have. They do this by connecting with emotions in the real life experience by learning they can choose peace and happiness in each situation regardless of how challenging it appears from the outside.

Now you have an opportunity to contribute to this new series by sharing your strength, insights, knowledge and wisdom.

What makes a good Chicken Soup story? A Chicken Soup story is an inspirational, true story that opens the heart and re-kindles the spirit. It is the personal account of an event, an obstacle overcome, a lesson learned or a dream fulfilled that helps the reader discover basic principles they can use in their own lives.

Some of the topics will include:
1) On Attitude: Stories about the powerful healing that takes place through the deep and meaningful transition from denial to final positive attitudinal acceptance.

2) Family Dynamics: Stories that demonstrate the healing power a family has through love, patience, understanding and relentless hope that parents, siblings and extended family share.

3) The Teen Years: Stories around the challenges teens face going through puberty and teen years such as body changes, boyfriends and girlfriends, learning to drive, life decisions and going through the many emotional challenges that they face.

4) On Friendships and Relationships: Stories of heroic acts and very meaningful, caring relationships peers develop and the lessons that they learn from one another.

5) Humor is Healing: This chapter promotes the popular saying “Laughter is the best medicine.”

6) Adulthood: This chapter contains stories of special needs individuals after the age of 21 when oftentimes the regular means of support are no longer in place. It explores issues like employment and family living.

9) Transitions: This chapter contains stories about aging and what happens next in our lives.

They are looking for “teaching tales” that inspire the reader to draw their own conclusions and insights from the story itself. If you have a story you would like to submit, please email your stories to hmcnamara@verizon.net.

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News: Basic medical care in US would save money--report

Reuters HealthThursday, August 31, 2006
By Kim Dixon

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Simple adherence to basic medical treatment guidelines would save thousands of lives and $1.35 billion a year in medical costs, according to a large analysis of data from 260 hospitals.
The report tracked Medicare patients hospitalized for pneumonia, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, heart attack, hip and knee replacement and heart failure, and compared patient recovery rates and cost data.

About 224,000 patient records were analyzed by Premier Inc., a coalition of nonprofit hospitals, which is working with the federal government on measuring patient medical outcomes and costs.
Those who pay for health care in the United States, primarily the government and private employers, are increasingly rewarding good patient care with better payments, as opposed to the current system, which generally pays according to volume.

Experts point out that more quality, safety and cost information is available for cars than for most health-care services.
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the government health insurer for the elderly and poor, and the biggest health-care purchaser, is moving closer to linking quality with reimbursement rates. Premier is working with CMS on quality-measuring projects in advance of a congressional-required plan coming in 2009.

"One of the questions that always comes up is, does high quality care cost more? If we are going to do all these measures and interventions, is it going to cost more?" said Denise Remus, vice president in clinical affairs at Premier, adding it is the first large study of its kind to show a statistically significant link.

The report found that 5,700 deaths, 8,100 complications and 10,000 readmissions to the hospital could be averted if clinicians followed medically prescribed treatment steps.

For example, pneumonia patients should get an oxygen assessment upon arrival in the hospital, a blood culture and in certain cases antibiotics.
The study found that among 60,000 pneumonia patients, those who received the least rigorous care on average cost the hospital $11,100, while those receiving the top quality care cost was $8,351, a $2,756 difference per case.

The study then extrapolated the cost savings using national data.
After adjusting for illness severity, it found adherence to the quality standards led to shorter patient stays, lower complication rates and lower costs across all clinical populations, except heart failure.
In heart failure, a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively, higher quality of care did cost more.

The U.S. Congress is requiring the Medicare agency to come up with a plan for so-called value-based purchasing, which would more broadly reward hospitals that can prove they top quality guidelines.
Health care costs have risen more than twice the rate of inflation for several years, with hospital costs accounting for the biggest chunk of the price tag. Medical spending is about 16 percent of the U.S. economy and rising.

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