Summary

Insurers are increasingly denying coverage for advanced prosthetic limbs, questioning their medical necessity despite laws in some states requiring parity with Medicare.

People like Michael Adams, who relies on a $50,000 microprocessor-controlled knee for mobility, face coverage roadblocks despite doctor recommendations.

Advocacy groups call this discriminatory, as basic prosthetic coverage varies widely and caps often exclude advanced devices.

Cost remains a significant barrier, with many paying out-of-pocket or relying on loans. Federal proposals aim to prevent repossession of prosthetics due to unpaid loans, but challenges persist for many amputees, whose appeals for coverage have been repeatedly denied.

  • @Tikiporch
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    23 days ago

    These stumps can just use crutches and hooks the rest of their lives because internalizing the shame from onlookers pitiful looks and glances doesn’t take money out of shareholders pockets.

    In other words, human dignity isn’t medically necessary. For further explanation, I’ll refer you to most of the world’s stance on mental health.

    • RubberDuck
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      22 days ago

      Arrrrrr… The return of the peg leg… free parrot with every purchase.