John Denner One Handed Guitarist's Campaign

The Campaign for Prosthetic Coverage

Almost two million Americans are living with limb loss or limb deficiency as a result of disease, trauma or birth defect. In a December 2005 to January 2006, a poll of 660 users of the ACA web site, 423 (72%) of respondents had private insurance. In return for premiums paid for group health insurance, consumers expect to be covered for catastrophic illness or injury. Sadly, without legislation to ensure coverage, many people living with the loss or absence of a limb are facing discouraging obstacles when trying to obtain prosthetic care. Current changes in insurance plans are having a devastating effect on amputees and their families:

62% reported that their prosthetic coverage had remained the same in the past three years. 31% indicated that it had been reduced, 7% said that it had been eliminated. In answer to a growing number of calls from our members and friends who are finding it difficult to afford an appropriate prosthesis, the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) launched the Action Plan for People with Limb Loss (APPLL).

APPLL works nationwide at the grassroots level to motivate people to inform lawmakers about the critical need for all amputees to have access to an appropriate prosthesis, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Our goals:

1) Pass prosthetic parity laws in all 50 states.

2) Work at the federal level to ensure that all amputees receive the help they need to obtain adequate and appropriate prosthetic care.

We have already made exciting progress! In 2006, we worked with eight states to advance legislation requiring coverage for prosthetic devices and components. Three of the eight states passed legislation.

In 2007, eleven states will introduce or re-introduce legislation for prosthetic coverage. Another eight states are working to build campaign committees to advance legislation.

Help support ACA and John Denner in the mission to empower people with limb loss through education, support and advocacy by becoming an ACA member today. Visit www.amputee-coalition.org/membership or call 888/AMPKNOW for more information. You can also donate directly to the parity campaign at www.amputee-coalition.org/advocacy/donation.

Proceeds will go to the Amputee Coalition of America and Operation First Response