This year’s event kicked off with a virtual educational session, equipping participants with the tools, background, and messaging needed to effectively advocate on behalf of the O&P community. It culminated with an intimate fireside chat between Teri Kuffel, JD, AOPA’s interim executive director, and Senator Tammy Duckworth.
Following the education, attendees took their passion and knowledge directly to Capitol Hill for both in-person and virtually targeted meetings with key policymakers.
Throughout the event, advocates engaged in over 100 meetings with members of Congress and their staff, including 52 meetings with senators or their legislative teams and 62 meetings with representatives or their legislative teams. These conversations focused on advancing essential O&P policy priorities, including:
- Supporting the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act, which seeks to improve patient access, strengthen clinical care, and reduce fraud.
- Securing fair coverage and reimbursement policies for O&P.
- Promoting research funding and innovation through federal investment in O&P-related research, clinical trials, and academic programs.
- Discussing the potential impacts of tariffs on the profession and patients.
- Reinforcing the importance of O&P licensure and professional standards to ensure quality care for patients.
By sharing personal stories, clinical expertise, and compelling data, attendees made a lasting impact, reminding Congress that the O&P profession plays a critical role in restoring mobility, independence, and dignity to the hundreds of thousands of Americans living with limb loss and limb difference.
“AOPA will build off the momentum created during the Policy Forum as we continue to push for introduction of the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act and address the other O&P legislative issues,” it said. “AOPA encourages advocates to stay tuned for updates on additional ways to advocate for the O&P profession and the limb loss and limb difference community.”
AOPA thanks all who participated—together, we are the driving force behind meaningful policy change and strengthening the future of O&P care.
