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November 26, 2002

Governor Jane Swift
Office of the Governor
State House
Room 360
Boston, MA 02133

Governor-Elect Mitt Romney
Office of the Governor
State House
Room 360
Boston, MA 02133

Dear Governor Swift and Governor-Elect Romney:

I am writing to express my grave concerns over recent reports that the state of Massachusetts has proposed eliminating coverage for prosthetics (artificial limbs) in the state's Medicaid program, Mass Health, starting January 1, 2003.

I am the President and CEO of the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA), a non-profit, consumer-based organization that reaches out to people with limb loss and empowers them through education support and advocacy. ACA also runs the National Limb Loss Information Center, which provides information, resources and support to individuals with limb loss thanks to a partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

It is my understanding that, today, 49 states in this country provide coverage for prosthetic care to low-income Americans living with a disability resulting from limb loss. Massachusett's proposal to eliminate these services will give the state the dubious distinction of being one of only two states in this country that does not provide prosthetic services.

More than 1.5 million Americans live with limb loss resulting from diabetes, heart disease, cancer, trauma or congenital anomalies. There will be 185,000 new amputations performed this year alone, the majority of which are from diabetes and heart disease. The twin epidemics of obesity and diabetes facing this country now greatly increase the chances of limb loss, especially among those individuals under 21 now being diagnosed with adult onset, type 2 diabetes.

While we understand the state's need to control spending, it is very hard for us to understand how the state plans to save money by denying someone the ability to walk again with an artificial leg. Without proper care and coverage for prosthetics, an amputee is likely to suffer from chronic secondary conditions such as heart disease, some forms of cancer, diabetes and depression that result from a sedentary lifestyle. Furthermore, without appropriate care, amputees will also endure additional medical complications associated with skin breakdowns and infections from poor fittings and aging devices, which can result in further amputations of the existing limbs. Denying someone access to an artificial arm can result in skeletal complications, low self-esteem and depression. These resulting medical problems will result in additional hospitalizations and ultimately drive up health care costs.

Additionally, without access to artificial limbs, individuals will require other state services, such as home health/visiting nurse services, wheelchair van and ambulance transportation and income and housing assistance. Denying individuals access to artificial limbs further diminishes their chances of returning to employment and a self-sufficient, independent life, and adds a major hurdle to someone who is already desperately trying to socially and mentally come to terms with what is inarguably one of the most traumatic, life-changing events anyone can experience--the loss of a limb. The Amputee Coalition of America recommends, in the strongest terms possible, that Massachusetts reconsider its efforts to take away this vital service from individuals living with limb loss.

Sincerely,

Paddy Rossbach
President and CEO
Amputee Coalition of America

A note from LadyAmp: It's an unfortunate thing that this legislation passed through the state of Massachusett. Though it still has several bodies of legislation to go, there is a chance it could go all the way, and some day, those who need a prosthetic the most, won't be able to get one.

There are nine states now that have passed this legislation, you can be sure that other states will follow their lead. NOW is the time to begin letting our elected officials know where we stand! Please write to your state Senetors, Congressman, and whomever you think might have a vote in this decision!

I'll update this situation as I receive or gather information.