Jun 4, 2026
Elijah Brummond, 2026 George and Dena Breece Fellow, began his fellowship on June 1st. He will spend the next 10 weeks working in Washington, shadowing Peter Thomas, NAAOP General Counsel and learning more about O&P policy and advocacy in the broader context of rehabilitation and disability issues. Elijah will take a lead role in planning the 2nd In-Person Congressional Fly-In, a targeted set of visits to Capitol Hill in mid-July to promote O&P outcomes research funding, the Medicare O&P Patient Centered Care Act, and proposals to limit the damage from Medicare competitive bidding of off-the-shelf (“OTS”) orthotics. Elijah has used a lower limb prosthesis since birth, attends Drake University, and is studying business law.
Congratulations, Elijah, on your selection as the 9th Breece Fellow. NAAOP offers its heartfelt thanks to all contributors to the Fellowship, especially ABC and Hanger, who have made a long term commitment to this annual program.
O&P Outcomes Research Funding for FY 2027 hangs in the balance as the Senate and House Defense Appropriations Subcommittees deliberate on hundreds of funding requests made by Representatives and Senators for Fiscal Year 2027, which begins on October 1, 2026. NAAOP has worked closely with the O&P Alliance and the O&P research community to promote dedicated funding of $15 million annually under the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (“CDMRP”) for O&P outcomes research. This program was previously funded from FY 2014 through FY 2023 for a collective total of approximately $116 million. The funding lapsed in FY 2024. Since then, NAAOP and its sister O&P organizations have been advocating to reinstate this funding. For the last two years, O&P researchers have been able to apply for funds under the peer reviewed research account, with some success, but reinstatement of this earmarked funding would be a big victory for the O&P field. More information from Congress is expected over the next few weeks and months.
Specific CMS Guidance on the OTS Orthotic Competitive Bidding Program is Expected Soon which is expected to detail the next round of OTS orthotic competitive bidding. This would follow the first round which ran from 2021 to 2023 and included 22 HCPCS codes describing certain knee and back braces. This next round is expected to include knee, back, and upper extremity OTS orthoses as well. The program has been modified to achieve additional savings to the Medicare program, including limiting the number of suppliers to less than ten nationwide. NAAOP and the O&P Alliance met with CMS senior staff earlier this year to attempt to mitigate the negative impacts of this program, including limiting the HCPCS codes that will be competitively bid. NAAOP will provide timely updates as CMS implements this program.
So Every BODY Can Move (“SEBCM”) Announces the 2026 28x28 Mobility Challenge. The 3rd Annual 28x28 Mobility Challenge benefiting SEBCM returns this July, bringing together advocates, clinicians, patients, families, athletes, and allies nationwide to promote movement and expand access to prosthetic and orthotic care. Participants commit to moving at least 28 minutes a day for 28 days while raising awareness and supporting grassroots legislative advocacy efforts. Since launching in 2022, SEBCM has helped enact legislation in 14 states and continues working toward its goal of passing legislation in 28 states by the 2028 Paralympic Games.