Reps. Glenn Thompson, Mike Thompson, Brett Guthrie, and Angie Craig Introduce Bipartisan Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15), Mike Thompson (CA-05), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), and Angie Craig (MN-02) today introduced H.R. 4315, the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act. This bipartisan bill will ensure Medicare beneficiaries can access the orthotics and prosthetics devices they need. Under current Medicare requirements, beneficiaries are at risk of receiving orthotic and prosthetic devices without the necessary services and customization required for the best use. The bill will clarify the law and permit Medicare beneficiaries who require prosthetics and orthotics to receive these important services.

"Having spent nearly 30 years as a therapist, rehabilitation services manager, and licensed nursing home administrator, I have a personal understanding of the challenges facing those who require orthotics or prosthetics," Rep. Glenn Thompson said. "This bill recognizes access to medically necessary and high-quality orthotics and prosthetics are critical for mobility and the overall quality of life of the patient."

"Seniors on Medicare deserve to be protected from poorly-made or deceptive orthotic and prosthetic products," Rep. Mike Thompson said. "Proud to work with a bipartisan group of my colleagues to introduce the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act to protect patients, improve care, and crack down on scams and disreputable businesses."

"It's critical for patients' long-term health that they not only have access to orthotics and prosthetics devices but also have access to care to customize the devices to their needs. I'm proud to support a clarification in the law to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries can get the personalized orthotic and prosthetic care that they need to thrive," Rep. Guthrie said.

"Expanding access to appropriate, timely care while cracking down on Medicare fraud and helping orthotic and prosthetic patients get the health care they need is incredibly important. That's why I'm working across the aisle with Rep. Thompson to pass the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act," Rep. Craig said.

"The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) and its over 1,600 members that represent both the facilities that treat individuals living with limb loss and limb difference and the manufacturers of orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) devices, have been advocating for years for Medicare to protect patients' access to quality O&P clinical care. The bipartisan Medicare O&P Patient-Centered Care Act (H.R. 4315) would do this while also addressing fraudulent practices that are costly to the Medicare system," said Eve Lee, MBA CAE, AOPA Executive Director. "AOPA thanks Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson for his efforts to get this important piece of legislation introduced in the House. If passed, it will impact the lives of millions of Americans living with limb loss and limb difference."

This bill has additional support from the following organizations:

American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association
American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists
American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics Board of Certification/Accreditation
National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics
American Podiatric Medical Association
American Occupational Therapy Association
American Physical Therapy Association
American Society of Hand Therapists
Access Ready
ACCSES
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
American Association on Health and Disability
American Cochlear Implant Alliance
American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine
American Music Therapy Association
American Occupational Therapy Association
American Physical Therapy Association
American Therapeutic Recreation Association
Amputee Coalition
Association of Rehabilitation Nurses
Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network
Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis
Center for Medicare Advocacy
Chris and Dana Reeve Foundation
Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation
Institute for Matching Person & Technology
Lakeshore Foundation
Medical Device Manufacturers Association
Miami Project to Cure Paralysis
Muscular Dystrophy Association
National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies
National Association of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers
National Disability Rights Network
National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers
Paralyzed Veterans of America
RESNA
Simon Foundation for Continence
Spina Bifida Association
The Viscardi Center
United Cerebral Palsy
United Spinal Association
VisionServe Alliance

You can click here to read the text of this legislation.

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