Last post Tue, May 06 2008 3:26 AM by Becky. 2 replies.
I'm a member of the Amputee Coalition of America and get e-mails from them occasionally. They currently have a petition for amputees to sign about prosthetic parity. The ACA defines prosthetic parity as: Insurance companies covering prosthetic care on par with other basic medical services. These services can vary from state to state. Some insurance carriers only allow a person to have ONE leg in their lifetime. The ACA is fighting to change this. Please sign the petition to help amputees get their prosthetics paid for in a fair and just manner for all. Thank you.
The ACA blog about prothetic parity is located at: http://acaparity.blogspot.com/
The actual petition can be signed at the following site:
http://www.amputee-coalition.org/absolutenm/anmviewer.asp?a=778&z=37
I think insurance companies need to be held to a universal standard, so that every disability is accommodated to par with all other medical procedures/treatments/durable medical equipment prescriptions. I get a new orthotic (custom long-leg orthopedic brace/aka KAFO) maybe every 3 - 5 years and it's covered.
I see no reason why an amputee has to be resigned to having only one prosthetic for life. That just plain suxx! There otta be a law, and if there isn't one, we need to push for it. Any orthopedist can tell us that our bodies change over time, we get fatter, we get skinner, etc., etc., and that new equipment is inevitable in order to maintain our health as people with disabilities/PWDs.
Since the petition is only for amputees to sign, I won't. But I sure as hell am on your side, Becky!
Justin
Thanks Justin. Yes, there should be a standard for insurance companies. I can also get a new prosthesis every three years and I will make sure I get one that often. Our bodies do change. I know I have to wear more socks now than I used to. Thanks for your support.
Becky
