So Georgians Can Move
We believe movement is medicine and physical activity is a right, not a privilege. But today, thousands of Georgians living with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairment are unable to afford and access life-changing orthotic and prosthetic care that helps them be physically active due to inadequate insurance coverage, “not medically necessary” denials, and high out-of-pocket costs. So Every BODY Can Move advocates are working to change this.
PURSUING
Georgia
Status:
Pursuing Legislation
State Leads:
Cristalei Polk & Rachael Auyer
State Co-Lead
Clinician, ProCare Ottobock.care
State Co-Lead
Co-Owner, Alliance Prosthetics and Orthotics
Clinic Manager, ProCare Ottobock.care
Director of Prosthetics & Orthotics, University Vascular
Physical Therapist IV, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Orthotics and Prosthetics Department
Owner, Brunswick Orthotics & Prosthetics, Inc.
VP, Sales and National Accounts, Elevate Movement
At a Glance
Georgia 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
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1 in 2
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Inactivity Related to Chronic Disease in Adults with Disabilities
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2X
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Disability and Obesity
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60 / 150 Mins
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition
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$44 Billion
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Disability and Obesity
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“F”
Physical Activity Alliance, The 2022 United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
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Thousands of Georgians 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 would require state commercial plans to provide coverage and reimbursement for orthotic and prosthetic care at a level that is equivalent to the federal Medicare program (also known as “insurance fairness or parity”) as well as provide coverage for an additional prosthetic or custom orthotic device for physical activity. The bill defines nondiscrimination standards, prohibits unfair trade practices, exempts reasonable useful lifetime restrictions, and deems orthotic and prosthetic care as an essential health benefit.
This bill will ensure every Georgian covered by a state commercial plan 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, return to work, and contribute to society. Ensuring appropriate prosthetic and orthotic coverage has a minimal impact on insurance premiums while reducing costly secondary health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, as well as reducing reliance on public assistance.
Lynda and her 18-year-old daughter were safely cycling, training for a triathlon, when they were struck by a full-size truck. Her daughter Sophia was killed instantly, and Lynda was injured from head to foot. Plagued with 24/7 pain, she opted for an amputation 3 ½ years later.
Getting back to a lifestyle filled with exercise and movement was important to her. Lynda was awarded a grant for a running blade to aid her in the healing of her body and to run again with her family.
While Lynda will always miss her daughter, what she doesn’t want to miss out on is the rest of her life. Being active again has been the catalyst to regaining her life back. Little did she know, not only did the running blade help heal her body, but it helped mend her broken heart.
Lynda Fisher
Tifton, GA
Lynda and her 18-year-old daughter were safely cycling, training for a triathlon, when they were struck by a full-size truck. Her daughter Sophia was killed instantly, and Lynda was injured from head to foot. Plagued with 24/7 pain, she opted for an amputation 3 ½ years later.
Getting back to a lifestyle filled with exercise and movement was important to her. Lynda was awarded a grant for a running blade to aid her in the healing of her body and to run again with her family.
While Lynda will always miss her daughter, what she doesn’t want to miss out on is the rest of her life. Being active again has been the catalyst to regaining her life back. Little did she know, not only did the running blade help heal her body, but it helped mend her broken heart.
Lynda Fisher
Tifton, GA
The O&P Community
Georgia Society of Orthotists and Prosthetists & Pedorthists (GSOP)
American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA)
National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics (NAAOP)
Amputee Coalition
American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists (AAOP)
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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!
