So Virginians Can Move
We believe movement is medicine and physical activity is a right, not a privilege. But today, thousands of Virginians 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
Virginia
Status:
Pursuing Legislation
State Leads:
Shree Thaker & Jess Norrell
State Co-Lead
Director of Communications & Partnerships, Amputee Coalition, Marketing Consultant, National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education
State Co-Lead
Owner, MOZN Solutions
At a Glance
Virginia 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 Virginians 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. Additionally, 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 amend Virginia’s previous prosthetic coverage law (enacted in 2009 and strengthened in 2021) so state-regulated commercial insurance plans are required to cover an additional prosthetic device necessary for physical activity.
This bill will ensure every Virginian covered by a state commercial plan that is living with limb loss, limb difference, or mobility impairment will have access to the prosthetic care they need to participate in physical activity, sport, recreation, and play. Ensuring appropriate prosthetic 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.
Gretchen lives in Gloucester and works as a nurse. In 2022, she was training for her first full marathon when she was in an accident that took her right leg. As part of her physical and mental recovery, she has her sights set on returning to her previous level of activity, one day completing that marathon she set out to do! In January 2024, she took a huge step closer to that goal, completing her first half marathon as an amputee with Team Catapult. She is a grant recipient of 50 Legs, a charitable nonprofit, which she has had to rely on to get access to a prosthesis for running since her health insurance will not cover it. She believes amputees should have access to what they need to move and live and should not be limited by insurance. As a healthcare worker, she knows movement is medicine and is excited to bring her zest for advocacy to So Every BODY Can Move in Virginia!
Gretchen Hines
Gloucester, VA
Gretchen lives in Gloucester and works as a nurse. In 2022, she was training for her first full marathon when she was in an accident that took her right leg. As part of her physical and mental recovery, she has her sights set on returning to her previous level of activity, one day completing that marathon she set out to do! In January 2024, she took a huge step closer to that goal, completing her first half marathon as an amputee with Team Catapult. She is a grant recipient of 50 Legs, a charitable nonprofit, which she has had to rely on to get access to a prosthesis for running since her health insurance will not cover it. She believes amputees should have access to what they need to move and live and should not be limited by insurance. As a healthcare worker, she knows movement is medicine and is excited to bring her zest for advocacy to So Every BODY Can Move in Virginia!
Gretchen Hines
Gloucester, VA
The O&P Community
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!
