We are winning the fight for insurance parity in Rhode Island!
HB 7020 and SB 2176 were introduced earlier in the year. Both bills would
require coverage of orthotics and prosthetics.
Over the past few months, HB 7020 — the House version of the bill — has been
through many hurdles. It was recommended that the measure be held for further
study — a step that may have kept the bill from moving forward. But on April
12th, the House committee recommended the bill for passage. And the bill passed
out of the House on May 31st.
The Senate version was referred to the Health & Human Services committee at
the beginning of June. There was some concern by many of the Rhode Island
activists 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 such solid
evidence demonstrating the cost effectiveness of prosthetic provision. But on
June 19th, the committee recommended passage of the bill.
And last night the full Senate passed the bill!
The Senate added an amendment regarding indemnity. Given this change to
the version that originated in the House, it will need to go back to the House
before it can move to the Governor’s desk for a signature and be put into law.
We are confident that this will happen before the end of this year’s session.
That means we should be just days away from the passage of a fourth
state prosthetic parity law! Rhode Islands looks like it will join CO, ME and NH in ensuring that people with limb loss get the care they need to lead productive, independent lives!
We will keep you updated as this bill moves forward. Thank you to the many ACA members and supporters who have worked hard to pass this important bill!!
To see the bill: http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Billtext/BillText06/SenateText06/S2176aa.pdf
For more information, contact us at [email protected]
Thank you to an amazing advocate for access to quality care! While many patients, prosthetists and ACA members have worked to pass this bill, William R. Teoli has tirelessly led these efforts for many years.
Mr. Teoli began his efforts to improve prosthetic care almost thirty years ago when he started advocating for licensure. He has continued to be an advocate for access to care through his commitment to prosthetic parity over the years.
The progress of this bill is a testament to his dedication!
Sent by:
Morgan Sheets
National Campaign Director for APPLL (Action Plan for People with Limb Loss)
Amputee Coalition of America
Direct ph. 202-742-1880
Cell Ph. 202-302-4373
Fax: (866) 599-8994
http://www.amputee-coalition.org
