<img class="" style="float: right;" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2006-05_08/Morgan-Sheets.jpg" width="259" height="233" hspace="4" vspace="4" /> To take on the critical challenge of advancing insurance parity, the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) launched the Action Plan for People with Limb Loss (APPLL). At the beginning of January, key ACA staff met to finalize a campaign plan for 2006. We already are seeing a great deal of momentum coming out of our increased efforts. In February, the Iowa Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on SSB 1281, a study bill requiring healthcare benefits for prosthetic devices. Just a couple of weeks later, SSB 1281, passed through committee on a unanimous voice vote. The next step is a vote on the Senate floor. But the Hawkeye state is just one of the many places where parity is moving forward. Activists in California, New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Kentucky have been working hard for many months to advance parity in those states. The Ohio group is distributing a patient education brochure to facilities all across the state. They also have identified a potential sponsor for the bill which they are drafting. Kentucky has pulled together its own strong group of patients and practitioners who are working to finalize a bill there. New Jersey and Connecticut have experienced setbacks with parity bills getting held up in committee, but still the momentum continues as states including Tennessee, Texas, and Florida prepare to launch bills in 2007. The Amputee Coalition of America will continue to work with local groups and individuals to advance prosthetic coverage state by state. <i>Editor's Note: This is the introductory edition of a national parity update planned for each issue of</i> The O&P EDGE. <i>Morgan Sheets is the national campaign director for APPLL. She can be reached at <a href="mailto:APPLL@amputee-coalition.org">APPLL@amputee-coalition.org</a></i>
