So Mainers Can Move
Thanks to the tireless efforts of So Every BODY Can Move advocates, Maine children and youth living with limb loss and limb difference now have access to prosthetic care for physical activity and exercise! LD-1003 was signed into law on May 7, 2022 and went into effect on January 1, 2024. Help us get the word out and maximize the positive impact of this new law for children and youth with disabilities in Maine.
ENACTED
Maine LD-1003
Bill Number:
Status:
Enacted
Date Signed Into Law:
5/7/2022
Date Law Goes Into Effect:
1/1/2024
Insurance Plans Affected:
State Commercial Plans
Age Group:
0-17
Types of Devices Covered:
Prostheses
State Lead:
Jordan Simpson
Primary Bill Sponsors:
Representative Colleen Madigan
State Lead
Social Worker, Open Heart Advocates
Primary Bill Sponsor
At a Glance
Maine 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
Click Here
“F”
Physical Activity Alliance, The 2022 United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
Click Here
Prior to the enactment of LD-1003, the majority of Maine children and youth with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairment faced 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:
LD-1003 will now ensure Maine children and youth with disabilities that are covered by state-regulated commercial insurance plans have access to all facets of society including physical activity and exercise through coverage of recreational prostheses. Help us get the word out and maximize the positive impact of this new law for the disability community in Maine!
This bill amends Maine’s previous prosthetic coverage law (enacted in 2003) so state commercial insurance plans are required to cover an additional prosthetic device necessary for physical activity for youth under 18.
A Fiscal & Social Impact Report for Maine showed LD-1003 would result in a minimal increase to health insurance premiums (estimated at $0.01 – $0.12 PMPM). For such a small cost, the benefits are immeasurable. The report shared, “Putting more strain on a daily prosthetic may result in damage to the prosthetic device, resulting in more expense for insurance providers. In addition, this treatment may lower the costs of mental health related issues and treatment. Children who are unable to participate in social or leisure activities with their peers due to a lack of appropriate prosthetics might see a negative impact on their quality of life and may develop mental health issues as a result.”
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!
