Action Alert

HB0066 < http://le.utah.gov/%7E2010/htmdoc/hbillhtm/hb0066.htm >  Prosthetic Limb Health Insurance Parity (Litvak) - We are pleased to report that this bill passed the house with 48 yeas, 25 nays, and 2 absences.  The debate lasted approximately 30 minutes with only 2 representatives speaking against it.  Thanks to all league members who took the time to contact their representatives in favor of this legislation.  Nays and absent are listed below. 
 NAYS - 25
 
      Aagard            Ferry             Hutchings         Painter           
      Anderson          Fisher, Julie     Kiser             Sumsion           
      Bird              Frank             Lockhart          Wimmer            

      Daw               Grover            Mathis            Wright            
      Dee               Harper            Morley            
      Dougall           Herrod            Newbold           
      Dunnigan          Hughes            Oda             

Ask your representative to support HB66 -  Prosthetic Limb Health Insurance Parity (Litvack, D)  

It requires an insurer who provides a health benefit plan to offer coverage for prosthetic devices.

HB66 is ready for a vote on the house floor tomorrow.  The vote is expected to be close.


Background:

HB 66 asks for coverage to be on par with other prosthetic devices, and with the Medicare standard of coverage.  
Currently, prosthetic coverage for the replacement of a hip, knee, shoulder, toe, (anything internal) are a routinely covered benefit by insurers.  However, any prosthetic device on the outside of the body, (arm, leg) do not have the same coverage benefit and have unrealistic caps and limitations placed on the coverage, making it nearly impossible for an individual suffering from limb loss to restore their limb.

Procedures to replace internal joints provide the same ultimate benefit to the patient as prosthetics do for patients needing external limb replacements.  So, the argument can be made that prosthetic replacements for legs and arms should be covered under the same benefit structure as internal joint replacements.  
This bill will create a fair and consistent standard of coverage.

The cost data from the other 18 states who have implemented similar legislation shows the annual cost average to be less than $0.60 per member per year. This amount does not include savings from improved health or reduced state Medicaid and other state program expenses that  would increase our tax base and reduce our tax burden.

The League of Women Voters stands in support of this bill.  
Please take the time to contact your Representative and ask them to vote yes on HB 66.

Find and contact your Representative at
http://www.le.state.ut.us/GIS/findDistrict.jsp

Marilyn O'Dell and Nancy Mellling
Co-Presidents, LWV Utah