January 18, 2008
New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine today signed into law a bill ensuring access to comprehensive health insurance coverage for orthotic and prosthetic care, that was passed last week by the state legislature.
The new law mandates that health insurance plans offer coverage for orthotic and prosthetic care without caps and co-pays that restrict access to prescribed prosthetic devices.
"We are delighted that Governor Corzine has signed this important legislation. This will help individuals who have undergone an amputation of an arm, leg, hand or foot, and children born with limb loss or difference. Health insurance coverage for limb replacement needed to return to work or lead productive lives is now more accessible as a result of this new law," said Morgan Sheets, the national advocacy director for the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA.)
“Amputees in New Jersey will now get the care they need to get back to work and live independent, productive lives,” said Sheets.
New Jersey now joins Colorado, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, California and Oregon in protecting access to prosthetic care. There are thirty states working with the Amputee Coalition of America to advance health insurance parity.
Source: Amputee Coalition of America