To secure passage of legislation to meet the needs of people with limb loss and other complex, disabling orthopedic conditions, the Amputee Coalition of America has recently joined in partnership with several organizations, as well as our sponsors to finalize the language and re-introduce the bill.  We need your help!

TAKE ACTION!  Contact your members of Congress today!  Please call or write your Representative and Senators today and let them know that you agree with the Amputee Coalition of America that arms and legs are not a luxury!

SAMPLE HOUSE LETTER

Dear Representative _____,

I am writing to urge you to co-sponsor the Prosthetic and Orthotic Parity Act. People needing either prosthetic or orthotic care have been subject to the same unfortunate efforts by some insurers to profoundly limit coverage availability. I am asking for your support in advancing legislation that would not only address the needs of people with limb loss, but also those with significant, enduring limb impairment. For example, individuals with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis all can have complex orthotic bracing needs.

Numerous studies have been done that demonstrate that prosthetic and orthotic parity is not only low cost to individuals under private and group insurance plans, but it also results in a savings to the private and public sector. By providing people with the appropriate care, they are able to prevent costly secondary conditions and remain productive and independent.

A prosthetic parity bill was introduced in the 110^{th Congress with strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. HR 5615 was authored by Representative Robert Andrews (D-NJ), with Representatives George Miller (D-CA), Todd Platts (R-PA), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), and Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) signing on as original co-sponsors.}

The Amputee Coalition of America is working with their partners and the lead sponsors of the parity act to re-introduce this important legislation in the 111th Congress. This is an opportunity to ensure that people with disabling conditions such as limb loss are given the care they need to fully participate in society. I hope that you will sign on as a co-sponsor of this important legislation.

If you would like to be added as a cosponsor, please have your staff contact either Carlos Fenwick (Robert Andrews) at carlos.fenwick@mail.house.gov or Michele Varnhagen (George Miller) at michele.varnhagen@mail.house.gov.

Sincerely,

NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE

SAMPLE SENATE LETTER Dear Representative _____,

I am writing to urge you to co-sponsor the Prosthetic and Orthotic Parity Act. People needing either prosthetic or orthotic care have been subject to the same unfortunate efforts by some insurers to profoundly limit coverage availability. I am asking for your support in advancing legislation that would not only address the needs of people with limb loss, but also those with significant, enduring limb impairment. For example, individuals with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis all can have complex orthotic bracing needs.

Numerous studies have been done that demonstrate that prosthetic and orthotic parity is not only low cost to individuals under private and group insurance plans, but it also results in a savings to the private and public sector. By providing people with the appropriate care, they are able to prevent costly secondary conditions and remain productive and independent.

A prosthetic parity bill was introduced in the 110th Congress with strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. S 3517 was introduced by Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Tom Harkin (D-IA) Daniel Inouye (D-HI) and Russell Feingold (D-WI).

The Amputee Coalition of America is working with their partners and the lead sponsors of the parity act to re-introduce this important legislation in the 111th Congress. This is an opportunity to ensure that people with disabling conditions such as limb loss are given the care they need to fully participate in society. I hope that you will sign on as a co-sponsor of this important legislation.

If you would like to be added as a cosponsor, please have your staff contact either Jenelle Krishnamoorthy (Tom Harkin) at Jenelle_Krishnamoorthy@harkin.senate.gov or Bill Pewen (Olympia Snowe) at Bill_Pewen@snowe.senate.gov.

Sincerely,

NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE

Hello. My name is [NAME]. I am from [CITY, STATE]. I am calling to urge Representative/Senator [LAST NAME] to support the Prosthetic and Orthotic Parity Act.

This bill will ensure that people with disabling conditions such as limb loss are given the care they need to fully participate in society. Arms and legs are not a luxury. I hope that you will sign on as a co-sponsor of this important legislation.