texas legislative advocacy
The Texas Legislative Coalition (not directly associated with TSOPP) have taken the initiative to hire a lobbyist to introduce a new bill. This bill addresses three primary concerns which the TSOPP Board has endorsed.
Texas Medicaid coverage for O & P services over 21:
Many Texans on Medicaid are denied access to orthotic and prosthetic devices that could enhance their quality of life and reduce medical costs. Texas is the only state that doesn't cover these devices for people over 20 with disabilities. S.B. 1174 proposes to address this issue as a sensible and humane solution.
HB 134 seeks to provide insurance coverage for cranial remodeling orthosis (CRO) devices to treat infants with head shape deformities like plagiocephaly. The bill aims to improve the quality of care and the well-being of affected infants and their families.
Activity-specific orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) devices are designed to help people with disabilities participate in specific sports or recreational activities, such as running, swimming, or skiing. These devices are often not covered by insurance plans, limiting their availability and affordability.
If you are interested in donating to support this cause, please email us at [email protected].
If you are interested in volunteering your time or knowledge, please email Rob at [email protected].
Texas Medicaid coverage for O & P services over 21:
Many Texans on Medicaid are denied access to orthotic and prosthetic devices that could enhance their quality of life and reduce medical costs. Texas is the only state that doesn't cover these devices for people over 20 with disabilities. S.B. 1174 proposes to address this issue as a sensible and humane solution.
- The bill aims to extend coverage to this population, allowing them to benefit from the rehabilitation and independence that these devices provide.
- A significant number of Texans would be affected, particularly those who are elderly, blind, or disabled, and those with diabetes at risk of amputation.
- Without these devices, individuals face greater challenges in living independently, working, and avoiding further health complications.
- The bill would also reduce the financial burden on other sources of funding, such as the Texas Workforce Commission or non-profit organizations, which currently assist some individuals in obtaining these devices.
- The bill is framed as a matter of justice and compassion, ensuring underserved Texans can live with dignity and functionality.
- It would save money in the long term by preventing costly hospitalizations and emergency room visits resulting from the lack of proper care.
HB 134 seeks to provide insurance coverage for cranial remodeling orthosis (CRO) devices to treat infants with head shape deformities like plagiocephaly. The bill aims to improve the quality of care and the well-being of affected infants and their families.
- The bill establishes criteria and guidelines for CRO eligibility based on current best practices and standards in the U.S.
- It seeks to ensure that infants who need CROs can access them promptly, without financial barriers or delays that could compromise their outcomes.
- The bill addresses the emotional distress and frustration that parents face when struggling to afford CROs for their children.
Activity-specific orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) devices are designed to help people with disabilities participate in specific sports or recreational activities, such as running, swimming, or skiing. These devices are often not covered by insurance plans, limiting their availability and affordability.
- Several states have introduced or enacted legislation requiring insurance plans to cover activity-specific O&P devices, based on evidence that these devices improve health and well-being and reduce long-term health care and social services costs.
- Five states (Arkansas, New Mexico, Colorado, Maine, Illinois) have already passed such legislation.
- Eight more states (Florida, Tennessee, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Minnesota) are considering similar bills.
- Maryland and Minnesota are expected to pass their bills soon.
- To learn more visit https://soeverybodycanmove.org/
If you are interested in donating to support this cause, please email us at [email protected].
If you are interested in volunteering your time or knowledge, please email Rob at [email protected].
education
The TSOPP donated textbooks to the two Texas O&P programs this year, Baylor College of Medicine and University of Texas Southwestern.
https://www.bcm.edu/education/school-of-health-professions/orthotics-and-prosthetics-program
https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/education/school-of-health-professions/programs/prosthetics-orthotics/
https://www.bcm.edu/education/school-of-health-professions/orthotics-and-prosthetics-program
https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/education/school-of-health-professions/programs/prosthetics-orthotics/
O&P Awareness
Orthotics and Prosthetics is a relatively small and often overlooked medical profession. If you are interested in learning more about this gratifying career, please visit https://whatispop.org/
Additional Resources:
American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC)
ABC's mission is to establish and promote the highest standards of organizational and clinical performance in the delivery of orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic services.
https://www.abcop.org/individual-certification/get-certified
The National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE)
NCOPE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to promote and raise the standards of education in the field, accredit orthotic and prosthetic programs.
https://ncope.org/index.php/home-page-v2/academic-programs/accredited-practitioner-programs/
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
The TDLR facilitates and regulates licensing of student, resident, and certified orthotists and prosthetists. O&P licensure is required to treat patients in the state of Texas.
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/op/
American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC)
ABC's mission is to establish and promote the highest standards of organizational and clinical performance in the delivery of orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic services.
https://www.abcop.org/individual-certification/get-certified
The National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE)
NCOPE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to promote and raise the standards of education in the field, accredit orthotic and prosthetic programs.
https://ncope.org/index.php/home-page-v2/academic-programs/accredited-practitioner-programs/
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
The TDLR facilitates and regulates licensing of student, resident, and certified orthotists and prosthetists. O&P licensure is required to treat patients in the state of Texas.
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/op/
texas o&P volunteering opportunities
Coming soon.