So Bay Staters Can Move
We believe movement is medicine and physical activity is a right, not a privilege. But today, thousands of Bay Staters 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
Massachusetts H-4096
Bill Number:
Status:
Introduced
Insurance Plans Affected:
State Commercial Plans + Medicaid
Age Group:
All Ages
Types of Devices Covered:
Orthoses + Prostheses
State Lead:
Maggie Baumer, JD
Primary Bill Sponsors:
Rep. Mathew Muratore
State Lead Leader of Enterprise Patient Advocacy
Past-President, National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics
Area Director – Massachusetts
Hanger President, Massachusetts Society of Orthotics and Prosthetics
Clinical Manager, Hanger Member, Massachusetts Society of Orthotics and Prosthetics
Business and Administrative Manager, Rogerson Orthotics & Prosthetics
At a Glance
Massachusetts 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 Bay Staters 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:
This bill will amend Massachusetts’ previous orthotic and prosthetic coverage law (enacted in 2006) so state-regulated commercial insurance plans and Medicaid are required to cover an additional prosthetic and custom orthotic device necessary for the performance of physical activities or for an athletic purpose in order to maximize an individual’s ability to ambulate, run, bike and swim and to maximize upper limb function.
This bill will ensure every Bay Stater 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 fully regain their mobility and independence, be physically active, and participate in all facets of society including recreation and sport.
“I lost my leg below the knee because of the Boston Marathon Bombing. Staying physically active (cycling, skiing, hiking, etc.) is very important to me and my family. Having access to specialized prosthetic devices makes these types of activities possible and has allowed me to live my life to its fullest potential.”
Steve Woolfenden
Boston, MA
“I lost my leg below the knee because of the Boston Marathon Bombing. Staying physically active (cycling, skiing, hiking, etc.) is very important to me and my family. Having access to specialized prosthetic devices makes these types of activities possible and has allowed me to live my life to its fullest potential.”
Steve Woolfenden
Boston, MA
The O&P Community
Massachusetts Society of Orthotics and 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!
