Contact: Joy Burwell
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act Introduced in the Senate
Washington, DC (March 19, 2024) – Today, Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced the bi-partisan Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act in the Senate.
The legislation was introduced in the House in June 2023 and now has 35 co-sponsors.
“The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association appreciates the support and efforts of Senators Mark Warner and Steve Daines on the introduction of the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act,” said Eve Lee, MBA, CAE, Executive Director of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association. “We look forward to working with them and our sponsors in the House to pass this important piece of legislation.”
Through its three major provisions, the legislation would: prohibit “drop shipping” of custom orthoses and prostheses to Medicare beneficiaries; ensure Medicare beneficiaries can access the full range of orthotic care from one O&P practitioner rather than requiring patients to visit multiple providers when the treating orthotist or prosthetist does not have a competitive bidding contract and; ensure Medicare beneficiaries can access replacement custom-fitted and custom-fabricated orthoses when a change in their condition or clinical needs occurs.
“This comprehensive legislation is important to both the O&P profession as well as the patients its serves. The legislation will help address the costly fraudulent practices Medicare beneficiaries have been experiencing in the recent years,” noted Mitchell Dobson, CPO, FAAOP, President of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association. “It will also ensure that individuals living with limb loss and limb difference have access to the safe, quality clinical care they need and deserve. Thank you to Senators Warner and Daines for their work to get this introduced in the Senate.”
On April 15 and 16 American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association members will come together in Washington DC for the 2024 Policy Forum when they will meet with their Senators and Representatives to ask their support of this legislation.
About the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA): A trusted partner, advocating for and serving the orthotic and prosthetic community, the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) fosters relationships with decision makers, provides education, supports research, and advances equality to strengthen the orthotic and prosthetic profession and improve the lives of its patients. Since 1917, AOPA has been the largest non-profit organization consisting of more than 1,500 patient care facilities and suppliers that together manufacture, distribute, design, fabricate, fit, and provide clinical care for patients using orthopedic braces) and prostheses (artificial limbs). Each and every day, AOPA and its members strive for a world where orthotic and prosthetic care transforms lives.