tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142185362009-07-06T10:54:19.692-05:00The ACA defines prosthetic parity as insurance companies covering prosthetic care on par with other basic medical services. This Blog is intended to help groups organize at the grassroots level to support the state and federal campaign. If you are interested involved in your state effort, contact us at state@amputee-coalition.org or 202/742-1885. For more information about the congressional bill, we can be reached at federal@amputee-coalition.org or 202/742-1886.ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.comBlogger197125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-60787537074881961972009-07-06T10:52:00.001-05:002009-07-06T10:54:19.828-05:00

We are sad to say that Governor Rell recently vetoed HB 5021, which included coverage for prosthetic devices. The governor vetoed several other bills including a bill related to health and nutritional information in restaurants and a green jobs bill. We still have a chance. If the governor vetoes a bill when the legislative session is over, the legislators come back for a three-day veto

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-78488243455151112592009-07-01T12:49:00.004-05:002009-07-01T12:59:01.135-05:00

The health reform battle is ramping up. It is imperative that we work hard to push for the needs of amputees. We need your help to tell members of Congress where we stand on health care.The ACA is joining a coalition of disability rights group in calling for national call-in days. Next week we urge you to call your members of Congress and tell them not to DELAY! Our message --- we need strong

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-48127403450774449232009-06-12T06:19:00.001-05:002009-06-12T06:19:29.205-05:00

From the States▪ In the final hours of their session, CT passed parity into law. The language was inserted into another health benefit bill. It is now awaiting the governor’s signature. If she takes no action it becomes law after 15 days.Overview of the State Campaigns▪ There are now a total of 18 states with parity laws in place (CO, ME, NH, RI, CA, MA, OR, NJ, IN, VT, LA, AR, IA, MD, TX, MO

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-9193471180485043982009-05-29T12:30:00.001-05:002009-05-29T12:31:39.645-05:00

The ACA recently sent comments to the Senate HELP Committee staff, Chairman Kennedy and Ranking Member Sen. Enzi on the topic of health disparities and people with limb loss. The ACA is urging Senate leaders to ensure that health care reform will eliminate the disability-based health disparities faced by the more than 54 million Americans with disabilities, including the almost two million people

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-13646537774645753112009-05-29T12:28:00.002-05:002009-05-29T12:30:26.444-05:00

The ACA submitted comments regarding the Senate Finance Committee’s set of recommendations regarding policy options for health care coverage contained in the document Expanding Health Care Coverage: Proposals to Provide Affordable Coverage to All Americans. In summary, the ACA is supportive of the recommendations regarding individual and small group market reform. These improvements to the

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-89726001272918475992009-05-29T12:27:00.001-05:002009-05-29T12:27:54.353-05:00

From the States▪ Bills passed in 6 states during the 2009 session (IA, VA, MD, AR, TX and MO). ▪Bills are still in play in 6 states (PA, WI, IL, MI, NY, NC).ü MI: Referred to the Health Policy committee. Awaiting action. Legislature meets throughout the year.ü IL Passed out of the House. Passed out of the Senate committee. The insurance lobby is pushing hard for caps.

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-17734012600081955412009-05-11T10:49:00.000-05:002009-05-11T10:50:23.418-05:00

From the States▪ The Maryland bill was signed into law by Gov. O’Malley on Thursday.▪ Texas and Virginia are still awaiting the Governor's signature.▪ The Pennsylvania parity bill was referred to the Health & Human Services Committee. We are waiting for a hearing to be scheduled. ▪ Bills are still in play in WI, CT, MO and IL.The Wisconsin bill was introduced on April 27th. Illinois passed

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-47067833448576341352009-05-04T14:19:00.000-05:002009-05-04T14:20:04.986-05:00

From the States▪ Texas passed the Senate and is awaiting action from the governor. Upon receiving a bill, the governor has 10 days in which to sign the bill, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The bill covers prosthetic and orthotic devices.▪ Maryland and Virginia are still awaiting the Governor's signature. Governor O’Malley is scheduled to sign a slew of bills on May

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-17734895709382063952009-04-30T09:55:00.001-05:002009-04-30T09:55:57.754-05:00

We just heard. We oo not have the vote count yet. The bill is now on its way to the governor's desk. The committee has been reaching out to his office. We have had a positive response, so we feel confident. That is 5 bills passed already this year (VA, MD, AR, IA, TX) with a couple more looking possible!!

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-11468911283983838732009-04-28T12:03:00.001-05:002009-04-28T12:03:45.303-05:00

Check out the latest edition of the Amputee Coalition of America's online publication advocacy matters. This quarterly newsletter focuses on the ACA's legislative initiatives.

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-34556998299985418722009-04-28T12:02:00.002-05:002009-04-28T12:03:09.677-05:00

Whether you can give $5 or $50, we need your help to keep up the momentum behind our various advocacy initiatives! You can send your tax deductible donation to us at: ACA, 300 East Hill Ave, Suite 205, Knoxville, TN, 37915. Please, remember to write “Advocacy” in the memo line of your check. Make a contribution on our website.

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-60665800553128372402009-04-28T12:01:00.003-05:002009-04-28T12:02:20.170-05:00

We are working with our sponsors to get the federal parity re-introduced. We recently launched a series of one pagers on parity to continue the momentum coming out of our second annual lobby day, which was held on March 10th. We had almost 200 amputees from 34 states. The turnout far surpassed our expectations. Click here to read the ACA's press release or visit our lobby day page

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-31537358809571826742009-04-28T12:00:00.000-05:002009-04-28T12:01:13.315-05:00

We have already had several victories this year. HB 2244 was signed into law on April 6th. HF 311 was signed in Iowa on April 24th. In addition, SB 1116 passed out of the Virginia House and Senate, as did SB 341 and HB 579 in Maryland. They are just awaiting signatures from the Governor's office. There are another 12 state legislatures working to advance some type of legislation to expand

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-36024448125647794332009-04-28T11:59:00.000-05:002009-04-28T12:00:25.011-05:00

The ACA recently launched a new site to help spread the word about the need for prosthetic parity legislation at the state and federal level to protect access to care. Check it out!

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-69905363975100519522009-04-28T11:53:00.000-05:002009-04-28T11:59:04.047-05:00

The ACA is grateful to the activists who have not only taken the lead but really gone above and beyond to push start parity legislation through and support our congressional efforts. Our Advocacy Department is honored to work with such amazing people! Read More.

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-74465930685819634442009-04-15T10:04:00.002-05:002009-04-15T10:09:15.269-05:00

DID YOU KNOW? The Maryland and Virginia state legislatures recently passed parity legislation. This is incredibly exciting, but we still need a federal bill in order to provide protections for health plans regulated at the federal level. WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GET THE FEDERAL PARITY BILL RE-INTRODUCED AND KEEP IT MOVING!!! House members will be home in their districts April 6-17th. Senators

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-42577038527466186682009-03-20T13:38:00.004-05:002009-03-20T13:46:54.996-05:00

FROM THE STATESOverview: There are now 15 states working to advance bills this year (Maryland, Connecticut, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Texas, Utah, Michigan, Missouri, Alabama, Tennessee, Illinois, Arkansas, Pennsylvania and Maine).o Arkansas: HB 2244 was introduced on 3/16. It was referred to the Public Health, Welfare and Labor committee. We are awaiting a hearing date.o Pennsylvania: The

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-11985991660942755542009-03-16T15:17:00.005-05:002009-03-16T15:20:27.754-05:00

Get involved with our federal campaign to advance legislation to ensure access to prosthetic and orthotic devices. Contact us at federal@amputee-coalition.org or visit our Action Center at www.amputee-coalition.org/advocacy/index.html.

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-22846139469624948632009-03-12T11:40:00.001-05:002009-03-12T11:42:02.515-05:00

The ACA's second annual lobby day was held on March 10th. It was a huge success. We are thrilled to announce that House and Senate members are already contacting us about co-sponsoring the bill. We had almost 200 amputees from 34 states. The turnout far surpassed our expectations. The stories that we heard and the passion of our amazing activists will continue to inspire and motivate the ACA to

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-29002407689304235442009-03-12T11:35:00.000-05:002009-03-12T11:36:14.766-05:00

BREAKING NEWS: The hearing in the Joint Committee on Insurance and Real Estate went very well. A very special thanks to Greg Grusse and his family! We have been assured that HB 5671 is dead (the bill with a $2,500 cap). The ACA is currently working with the committee to finalize the language that we will use to move forward in the process. We need your help to demonstrate support for

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-17852344960795636142009-03-12T11:34:00.002-05:002009-03-12T11:35:32.911-05:00

Senate Bill 2272 passed the Senate without a single vote against it; 46-0 with 1 absent. Now the bill will go to the House for a committee hearing. This bill would create a consistent standard of coverage for prosthetic care in North Dakota. That means that insurance companies would not be allowed to put arbitrary caps of $1,000 or $5,000 or tell amputees that they will not cover repairs. This

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-81003142897548037062009-03-12T11:33:00.002-05:002009-03-12T11:33:56.436-05:00

Check out the Amputee Coalition of America's new online publication advocacy matters. The quarterly newsletter focuses on the ACA's legislative initiatives.

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-46167796657506705972009-03-12T11:30:00.006-05:002009-03-12T11:32:48.214-05:00

We have already have a victory this year. SB 1116 passed out of the Virginia House and Senate. There are another 13 state legislatures working to advance some type of legislation to expand coverage for prosthetic devices and components. We will continue to work hard to support these efforts in order to ensure that amputees get the care they need. Click here to learn more.

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-8343494039267319022008-10-03T13:38:00.001-05:002008-10-03T13:40:44.502-05:00

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! On Sunday, October 12th Kix Brooks of the award winning duo Brooks & Dunn will headline a benefit concert for the Amputee Coalition of America and the Mending Limbs Organization. The concert is being held from 3 to 6 p.m., in Jamison Hall at The Factory at Franklin in Franklin, Tennessee. Individual tickets are $100, which includes hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, in

ACA's National Advocacy Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586398978203177235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14218536.post-35436836857672862542008-09-19T11:44:00.010-05:002008-09-19T11:51:27.234-05:00

With the introduction of the Senate bill, both houses of Congress are now considering legislation. We are looking to sign on additional co-sponsors in support of this important legislation. The Senate is scheduled to adjourn on September 26th, so we have just a few days left. We need your help to get your senators on board!TAKE ACTION: Contact your senators TODAY to urge them to support the

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