How can you support the Illinois Prosthetic Parity Bill and become involved?
What is prosthetic parity? In response to an overwhelming amount of amputees experiencing difficulty obtaining prosthetic coverage or a decrease in benefits, prosthetic parity action is being taken all over. Prosthetic parity is legislation that would require all amputees to have full access to fair and adequate prosthetic coverage. FAIM, in conjunction with the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA), are determined to make prosthetic parity a reality in Illinois.
On February 14, 2008, Senate Bill 2386 was introduced by Senator M. Maggie Crotty, and it has been referred to the Rules Committee. The bill requires all amputees be provided the same level of prosthetic care from private insurance as is provided under the federal Medicare program. Currently we are awaiting committee referral and the goal is for SB2386 to be passed in Illinois!
how can I help make prosthetic parity a reality in Illinois? Take action and get involved. There are several ways you can support this legislation:
we need your stories: If you or someone you know has experienced a decrease in insurance coverage or has had a complete lack of coverage, please contact Illinois campaign chairperson Holly Schaffer at 630-953-7251 or via e-mail at holly.schaffer@scheckandsiress.com.
sign an on-line petition:Visit www.ipetitions.com/petition/ilparity.
financial support: Support in all ways is needed and appreciated, including financial support. Every donation helps, large or small. To make a donation, please make checks payable to ISOPP (Illinois Society of Orthotists, Prosthetists and Pedorthists) and mail to:
Families & Amputees In Motion
Attention: Cathy Schroeder, Secretary
c/o Shriners Hospitals for Children
Chicago, IL 60607
further information or questions: Please contact local parity campaign chairperson Holly Schaffer at 630.953.7251 or via e-mail at holly.schaffer@scheckandsiress.com.
TAKE ACTION! Contact your representative TODAY!
sample letter/e-mail
Dear Senator__________,
I am writing to urge you to sponsor the Illinois prosthetic parity bill SB2386. This bill will ensure that prosthetic care is treated the same as other basic, essential care. Numerous studies have been done that demonstrate that prosthetic parity is not only low cost to individuals under private and group insurance plans, but it also results in a savings to the private and public sector.
Unlike many bills to expand or protect health care coverage, this legislation will not result in an increase in utilization. This bill is specifically designed to ensure access to prosthetic devices for people with limb loss and limb deficiency.
Prosthetic parity bills have been launched all over the country. Currently, eights states have passed parity laws. Another thirty states, are working to advance legislation. It is time for Illinois to join in this action and to take a stand on this important issue.
This is an opportunity to ensure that people with limb loss are given the care they need to fully participate in society! I hope that you will sign on for SB2386!
Sincerely,
NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE
sample phone message
Hello. My name is ________. I reside in ________. I am calling regarding Senate Bill 2386, a bill ensuring appropriate coverage for prosthetic care. This is an important bill for amputees in Illinois. I urge Senator________ to support this bill when it comes before the Rules Committee.
additional contacts
Visit www.house.gov. You will find a section at the top left of the home page that says, “Find Your Representative.” You will be prompted to enter your zip code and will then be provided with contact information for your local representative.
Senator M. Maggie Crotty (D) Sponsoring Senator
ŸPhone 217-782-9595; e-mail crotty@senatedem.ilga.gov
ŸAddress: Senator Crotty, 19th District, 122 State Capitol Building, Springfield, IL 62702
ŸDistrict Office: Oak Forest, 708-687-9696
Senator Emil Jones, Jr. (D)
ŸPhone: 217-782-2728; e-mail EJones@senatedem.ilga.gov
ŸAddress: Senator Jones Jr. 14th District, 327 Capitol Building, Springfield, IL 62706
ŸDistrict Office: Chicago, 773-995-7748
Senator Debbie DeFrancesco Halvorson (D) is the Chair of the Rules Committee. She is also the Senate Majority Leader. Make sure that Chairman Halvorson knows that there is widespread public support for this legislation. Urge her to support this important legislation!
ŸPhone: 217-782-7419; e-mail halvorson@senatedem.ilga.gov
ŸAddress: Senator Halvorson, 40th District, 323 Capitol Building, Springfield, IL, 62706
ŸDistrict Office: Chicago Heights, 708-756-0882
Senator Rickey R. Hendon (D) is on the committee. He is also the Assistance Majority Leader. Urge him to support this important legislation!
ŸPhone: 217-782-6252; e-mail hendon@senatedem.ilga.gov
ŸAddress: Senator Hendon, 5th District. 627 Capitol Building, Springfield, IL, 62706
ŸDistrict office: Chicago, 773-265-8611
Senator Louis S. Viverito (D), member of the committee and Assistant Majority Leader
ŸPhone: 217-782-0054; e-mail viverito@senatedem.ilga.gov
ŸAddress: Senator Viverito, 11th District, 121A Capitol Building, Springfield, IL 62706
ŸDistrict Office: Burbank, 708-430-2510
Senator Christine Radogno (R), committee member and Deputy Minority Leader
ŸPhone: 217-782-9407; e-mail cradogno@sbcglobal.net
ŸAddress: Senator Radogno, 41st District 309D, Capitol Building, Springfield, IL, 62706
ŸDistrict Office: Lemont, 630-243-0800
Senator Dale A. Righter (R), committee member and Minority Caucus Chair
ŸPhone: 217-782-6674; toll-free 888-235-6033; e-mail drighter@consolidated.net
ŸAddress: Senator Righter, 55th District 105A, Capitol Building ,Springfield, IL, 62706
ŸDistrict Office: Mattoon, 217-235-6033
Note: To read SB2386, go to www.ilga.gov. Under “Legislation & Laws,” click on “Bills and Resolutions.” Under “Senate Bills,” click on 2301-2400, and lastly, scroll down and click on SB2386.
letter writing campaign: Another important way you can support parity and help make a change. Using the sample e-mail/letter or phone message on page two, contact Senator M. Maggie Crotty, along with your local legislator, to express your support of SB2386. how does parity help me? While you may not directly be impacted by lack of insurance coverage now, you may in the future. Some amputees across America have no prosthetic coverage as part of their overall health care while others experience yearly caps or lifetime maxes that limit their prosthetic coverage severely. For example, some amputees are allowed one prosthesis for their lifetime while others have a cap of $3500 a year. Passing legislation in Illinois would insure that all amputees are provided with the care and coverage they deserve.