Contact: Joy Burwell
jburwell@AOPAnet.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act Introduced in the House
Washington, DC (June 23, 2023) – Today, Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), and Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act (H.R. 4315) in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association applauds the introduction of the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act and greatly appreciates the support and efforts of Representatives GT Thompson, Mike Thompson, Brett Guthrie, and Angie Craig” said Eve Lee, MBA, CAE, Executive Director of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association. “We look forward to working with Congress 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 important legislation will ensure that individuals living with limb loss and limb difference have access to the safe, quality clinical care they need and deserve,” noted Teri Kuffel, JD, President of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association. “It will also help address the costly fraudulent practices from providers outside the orthotics and prosthetics profession that Medicare beneficiaries have been experiencing in the recent years.”
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 2,000 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.