<img class="" style="float: right;" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2006-09_08/Sheets,-Morgan.jpg" width="239" height="215" hspace="4" vspace="4" /> On July 7, 2006, <b>Rhode Island </b>became the fourth state to pass legislation requiring prosthetic coverage. HB 7020 and SB 2176 were both introduced early in the year and faced many hurdles. It was recommended that the House bill be held for further study, a step that may have kept the bill from moving forward. But on April 12, the House committee recommended the bill for passage. The bill passed out of the House on May 31. The Senate version was referred to the Health and Human Services Committee at the beginning of June. Many of the Rhode Island activists were concerned that the bill might get stuck at this stage, given that this committee is a tough place for mandates, even one with such strong support and solid evidence demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of prosthetic provision. But on June 19, the committee recommended passage of the bill. And on June 21, the full Senate passed the bill. <b>Rhode Island</b> joins <b>Colorado</b>, <b>Maine</b>, and <b>New Hampshire</b> in ensuring that people with limb loss get the care they need to lead productive, independent lives. The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) continues its work to help additional states pass these very important bills by organizing strategy meetings, building and strengthening campaign committees, and enhancing the resources available to states. The <b>New Jersey</b> Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee recommended A1011 for passage on Monday, June 12. The next step is a floor vote, which is likely to occur after the summer recess. <b>Pennsylvania's</b> bill also is on the move. It did not receive a hearing before the legislators went into summer recess, but we are continuing to coordinate with members and activists to ensure that HB 2718 is given a public hearing before the 2006 session adjourns. <i>Morgan Sheets is the national campaign director for the Action Plan for People with Limb Loss ( APPLL). She can be reached at </i><a href="mailto:APPLL@amputee-coalition.org"><i>APPLL@amputee-coalition.org</i></a>
