Maryland Law Provides Amputees Access to Crucial Prosthetic Limbs
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Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed the ‘So Everybody Can Move Act’ into law on January 1, 2025, marking a significant advancement in promoting inclusivity and support for individuals with disabilities. This legislation aims to ensure these individuals have access to essential resources for living fulfilling lives, especially in light of many U.S. health insurers scaling back coverage for specialized prosthetic limbs.
For Tammie Wells, this new law is a much-needed safeguard. In an interview with WMDT, Wells said that people with limb loss don’t want pity; they need respect and the resources to live life to the fullest.
Wells had a major blood clot in her left leg that led to an amputation at the knee in April 2022. Her journey of adapting to a new prosthetic leg was difficult. She said that it felt like starting over, especially as she had to re-learn how to walk. And re-learning how to love herself was incredibly tough.
Before her amputation surgery, Wells noted that her insurance provider was generous with coverage. However, once she needed access to a prosthetic limb, the financial assistance significantly decreased. Wells said her insurance provider barely wanted to cover 20% of the cost they had previously been paying, leaving her with limited options: accept the product they pushed for or receive nothing at all.
Wells hopes that this new law will give others some new hope of getting the prosthetics that best suit them.
People with limb loss don’t want pity; they need respect and the resources to live life to the fullest.
Individuals with limb loss are often eager to get back into the community to engage and make a meaningful impact. Wells said that after new amputees find their footing, it’s important for them to reach out to other people living with limb loss, support them, and encourage them to stand up and move forward. This new law will hopefully help people with limb loss find their footing and support others to move forward.
Individuals with limb loss have historically faced difficulties in accessing affordable and suitable prosthetics, primarily due to restricted insurance coverage and significant out-of-pocket expenses. The enactment of the ‘So Everybody Can Move Act’ came at the right time to address various issues, including healthcare accessibility and equity. It also emphasizes the significance of compassion and respect in interactions with those overcoming physical difficulties.
