The National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics (NAAOP) has issued the following call to action for the O&P community:
By now, everyone should be well aware of the concept of essential health benefits (EHBs) that must be covered by new individual health insurance plans and small group health insurance plans beginning in 2014. NAAOP has been fighting for inclusion of rehabilitative services and devices (including orthotics and prosthetics) in the EHBs package for several years. Right now, most states are determining the contents of their EHBs packages and NAAOP needs your help to make sure they include coverage of O&P care.
Please share this document, an open letter to states on defining EHBs package, with policymakers in your state, leadership of your state O&P associations, and state-level lobbyists for our profession who can help influence decisions that are being made as the EHBs package is defined in your state. These EHBs packages will also be updated in the future, so this document should be an important reference for years to come. It is widely supported by more than 50 national organizations. NAAOP has signed onto this consortium as well as the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA), the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC), the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists the Academy), and Board for Certification/Accreditation, International (BOC).
Please help us deliver this message to those who are shaping the future of the patients we serve.
NAAOP will continue to keep its membership informed of developments as they occur. For more information, visit www.naaop.org or e-mail info@naaop.org
