IN THE NEWS! NJ Law Covers Amputees' Access to O&P

New Jersey Law Covers Amputees' Access to Orthotics and Prosthetics
Diabetes Health.com
Patrick Totty

21 January 2008 New Jersey has enacted a law guaranteeing access by amputees to comprehensive health insurance coverage for orthotic and prosthetic care. The new law mandates that health insurance plans offer coverage for orthotic and prosthetic care without caps and co-pays that restrict access to prescribed devices.

The bill will help individuals who have undergone amputation of an arm, hand, leg or foot, as well as children born without limbs or differently formed limbs.

The state joins California, Colorado, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon and Rhode Island in guaranteeing access to prosthetic care.

Editor's Note: More informally called braces and splints, orthotics are appliances or apparatuses used to support, align, prevent or correct deformities or improve the function of limbs.

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BREAKING NEWS! NJ Becomes 8th State to Pass Prosthetic Parity Bill!

On Tuesday, January 15, Governor John Corzine signed S. 502 into law. The bill mandates that insurance plans offer coverage for orthotic and prosthetic care without caps and co-pays that restrict access to prescribed devices. But our fight is not over! New Jersey will play a key role in our work to secure federal protection for prosthetic coverage. Click here to take action.

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IN THE NEWS! Young Amputee Helping Health Insurance Bill in IN!

Story Created: Jan 17, 2008 at 10:54 PM EST

MISHAWAKA — Evan Light hasn't mastered reading, but this young amputee from Mishawaka got a day off from school to testify before the Indiana Senate. Light and his father spoke in favor of a bill that would provide more insurance coverage for prosthetics.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY!

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IN THE NEWS! VT Hearing Featured on WCAX-TV!

Montpelier, Vermont - January 17, 2008

A new bill in the Vermont legislature will make sure people who need prosthetic limbs can afford them. Click here to view the article.

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CALL TO ACTION: NJ Final Call for Parity Bill !

Thank you to all of the volunteers who were at the State House on Thursday, January 3 to support prosthetic parity and discuss the bill with legislators! The New Jersey prosthetic parity bill (S502) passed the Senate yesterday by a vote of 33-0!

The bill now moves to the Assembly. Assembly members were opposed to mandates and therefore the Assembly was not going to consider the bill. However, Assembly Speaker Roberts and Assemblyman Cohen's office heard from local activists and the New Jersey Association lobbyist. Assembly Speaker Roberts agreed to consider the bill on Monday, January 7th, the last day of the session.

We need your help to demonstrate widespread support to ensure Assembly Speaker Roberts posts A1011 (the Assembly Prosthetic parity bill) for a vote!

Call Assembly Speaker Roberts office today and politely urge him to post A1011 for a vote on Monday, January 7.

Assembly Speaker Roberts: 856-742-7600

Sample Call Script

“Hello, my name is _________ I live in _________NJ. I am calling to urge Assembly Speaker Roberts to post A1011 for a vote on Monday, January 7. This bill will allow children and adults the opportunity to rehabilitate with dignity. And residents to return to work and continue to be contributing members of society instead of dependent on it. Thank you for your time.”

Thank you for the continued effort and Happy New Year!

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