So Floridians Can Move
We believe movement is medicine and physical activity is a right, not a privilege. But today, thousands of Floridians living with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairment are unable to afford and access life-changing orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) care that helps them be physically active due to inadequate insurance coverage, “not medically necessary” denials, and high out-of-pocket costs. Our legislation is working to change that.
INTRODUCED
Florida SB-0828 / HB-1003
Status:
Introduced
Insurance Plans Affected:
State Commercial Plans + Medicaid
Age Group:
All Ages
Types of Devices Covered:
Orthoses + Prostheses
State Lead:
Arlene Gillis, CP, LPO, M.Ed
Primary Bill Sponsors:
Sen. Jay Collins, Rep. Melony Bell
State Lead
Founder / Director, International Institute of Orthotics & Prosthetics
Lobbyist
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, RSA Consulting Group
Faculty, Associate Program Director, International Institute of Orthotics & Prosthetics
Associate Faculty, International Institute of Orthotics & Prosthetics
COO Prosthetist-Orthotist
Chief Operating Officer, Westcoast Brace & Limb AOPA State Representative
Faculty, J.E. Hanger College of Orthotics and Prosthetics at St. Petersburg College
At a Glance
Florida Statistics
Physical activity is one of the most important factors in maintaining overall health throughout one’s lifetime. Whether it’s vigorous exercise or simple day-to-day movement, being physically active increases strength and balance, improves mental health, supports better-quality sleep, and reduces the risk of disease and cancer for every body, including people with disabilities.
4.5X
American College of Sports Medicine, Why We Must Prioritize Equitable Access to Physical Activity for Children with Disabilities
Click Here
1 in 2
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Inactivity Related to Chronic Disease in Adults with Disabilities
Click Here
2X
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Disability and Obesity
Click Here
60 / 150 Mins
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition
Click Here
$44 Billion
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Disability and Obesity
Click Here
“F”
Physical Activity Alliance, The 2022 United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
Click Here
Thousands of Floridians with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairment face difficulties in obtaining affordable and accessible prosthetic and orthotic care for physical activities and exercise because state, federal, and private health plans deem this care “not medically necessary.”
Without health plan coverage, adults, children, and families are forced to:
Individuals with disabilities need activity-specific prostheses and orthoses in order to participate in physical activity and recreation. Without access, physical activity is out of reach or dangerous when utilizing the wrong device. Putting more strain on a general-use prosthesis or orthosis may cause damage to the device, resulting in more expense for insurance providers.
This bill will require state commercial plans and Medicaid to provide coverage for medically necessary O&P care for Floridians with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairment to perform activities of daily living, essential job-related activities, and physical recreational activities, such as running, biking, swimming, strength training, and other activities that maximize the insured’s full body health and lower and upper limb function. The bill defines nondiscrimination standards, exempts reasonable useful lifetime restrictions, and requires health plans to report on O&P benefit utilization annually.
This bill will ensure every Floridian covered by a state commercial plan or Medicaid that is living with limb loss, limb difference, or mobility impairment will have access to the prosthetic and orthotic care they need to regain their mobility and independence and contribute to society.
“Having access to a line of prosthetic feet covered by insurance to fit my level of activity was a challenge. Recently, I’ve had to pay out of pocket to cover my ability to play recreational hockey. We should have the right to enjoy an active lifestyle not limited by what insurance deems worthy.”
Christopher Noel
New Port Richey, FL
“Having access to a line of prosthetic feet covered by insurance to fit my level of activity was a challenge. Recently, I’ve had to pay out of pocket to cover my ability to play recreational hockey. We should have the right to enjoy an active lifestyle not limited by what insurance deems worthy.”
Christopher Noel
New Port Richey, FL
“I was an active swimmer prior to amputation. My insurance will not cover a water leg or any knee that could be submerged. Living close to the beaches, this is one thing I have not been able to get back. No way to get into the ocean without someone carrying me. Also, all knees should be available to everyone that wants to be active and do everything we did prior to amputation.”
Dianna Baker
Riverview, FL
“I was an active swimmer prior to amputation. My insurance will not cover a water leg or any knee that could be submerged. Living close to the beaches, this is one thing I have not been able to get back. No way to get into the ocean without someone carrying me. Also, all knees should be available to everyone that wants to be active and do everything we did prior to amputation.”
Dianna Baker
Riverview, FL
The O&P Community
International Institute of Orthotics & Prosthetics
Scroll to view full list
We believe movement is medicine and physical activity is a right, not a privilege.
Do you believe in the rights of the disability community?
Join us in the movement for change!
