7/29/2008
NAAOP Also Supports Parity Insurance Coverage For Orthotic Care
The NAAOP supports a uniquely patient-centered and member-driven mission to be a strong, unifying advocate, representing the interests of the orthotic and prosthetic patient and practice communities, specifically championing causes concerning patient access, funding, and outcomes through leadership in national and state policy formation.
Because the NAAOP recognizes that policy formation holds at its foundation the orthotic and prosthetic patient’s needs and well being, it supports the belief that individuals have the right to obtain quality, affordable orthotic and prosthetic patient care provided by educated and qualified practitioners. Fair and appropriate orthotic and prosthetic healthcare coverage is critical for current and future patients, enabling them to return to being as functional—and living as independently—as possible.
To that end, NAAOP proudly supports H.R. 5615, the Prosthetic Parity Act, federal legislation that, if enacted, would protect patients from discriminatory private insurance practices and enhance coverage of prosthetic care for individuals with limb loss. (See our letter of support to the Act’s Congressional sponsors on this website.) NAAOP recognizes this legislation as a unique and historic positive step towards comprehensive prosthetic care, access, and coverage and will assist in securing its passage.
NAAOP also supports parity in insurance coverage for orthotic care. H.R. 5615 currently focuses on prosthetics, but orthotic parity is clearly a legislative priority for NAAOP. We will work to ensure that not only those with limb loss, but those with neuro-muscular, muscular-skeletal injuries who are in need of orthotic care will receive private insurance coverage on par with other medical and surgical benefits covered by insurance.
