Background:  Almost two million Americans are living with limb loss or limb deficiency as a result of disease, trauma or birth defect.  It is essential that the needs of people with limb loss are taken into consideration as health care proposals are developed in order to ensure that they are able to lead independent, productive lives. 

The ACA appreciates the effort that has gone into Congress’ efforts to reform our nation’s healthcare system.   In particular, we strongly support the insurance market reforms, including guaranteed issue and renewal of coverage in the individual and small group markets, the prohibition of pre-existing health condition exclusions, and the end of annual and lifetime insurance caps with a limit on out of pocket spending.  

We also strongly support the recommendations regarding Medicaid, including recommendations that serve to eliminate the two year waiting period for disability coverage and inclusion of disability status as a category for purposes of measuring health disparities.

Denying coverage for prosthetic devices would have devastating consequences for individuals in need of this care to facilitate their recovery and restore their ability to function and live as independently as possible.  These benefits are no less important than antibiotics to a person with an infection, open heart surgery to an individual with coronary artery disease, or setting a limb that has been broken. 

Congress must explicitly require coverage of these two categories of benefits (i.e., rehabilitation therapies and DMEPOS) in all insurance plans offered under the healthcare reform efforts and must do so in statute. 

TAKE ACTION!  Any healthcare reform proposal that truly gets at improving health systems and enhancing access must address the specific needs of people with limb loss.   We urge you to do all that you to ensure that people with limb loss receive the care they need to reach their full potential. 

Make a call!  Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202)224-3121 and ask for your senators' and/or representative's office.  

ü       SAMPLE SCRIPT:  Hello.  My  name is ____.  I am from _____.  I am calling to urge Representative/Senator ____ to make sure to include specific language around durable medical equipment such as prosthetic devices in the health care reform bill to help amputees remain employed, independent and productive!

Send an e-mail! Visit https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml to find out who represents you and get their contact information.  Then take five minutes to write to your member of Congress and both senators.  We have included a sample below. 

ü       SAMPLE E-MAIL: Dear Representative/Senator _____,

Almost two million Americans are living with limb loss or limb deficiency as a result of disease, trauma or birth defect.  It is essential that the needs of people with limb loss are taken into consideration as health care proposals are developed in order to ensure that they are able to lead independent, productive lives. 

Arms and legs are not a luxury.  Prosthetic limbs are essential items that enable people with limb loss to function as working, tax paying citizens.  These benefits are not luxuries or convenience items.  Assistive devices are no less important than antibiotics to a person with an infection, open heart surgery to an individual with coronary artery disease, or setting a limb that has been broken. 

It is imperative that any healthcare reform package that is advanced by the US Congress include specific provisions around access to assistive devices such as artificial limbs.  I urge you to push to include assistive devise in the minimum standards categories being advanced within the healthcare reform legislation. 

Sincerely,

NAME, ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP,