We are husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters… friends, living with limb loss, who reside throughout the state of Texas. We come together to share our experiences and become one voice as we advocate for change.

Texans afflicted with limb loss are seeking relief from unreasonable annual and lifetime limits being imposed by some insurance companies for prosthetic, orthotic and related services. Many insurance plans will only pay for one artificial limb per lifetime, when in reality, an amputee needs a new artificial limb every few years of his life. Some plans limit coverage to $2,500 or less per year, leaving the amputee to fund the majority of the cost that could be upwards and over $25,000.

We are requesting that insurance companies cover claims for these services, at a minimum, on parity (in the same amounts) as the federal government pays through its Medicare program.

Texas has the opportunity to become the 7th State to pass legislation on insurance parity with the introduction of Senate Bill 54 authored by Senator Judith Zaffirini and House Bill 223 authored by Representative Pete Gallego. The six states that have already passed parity laws are Colorado, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and California.

Let’s help Texas become 7 in 2007!

OUR  GOALS

• Establish  LSAR as a collective voice of expertise.
• Form a strong advocacy base for the dissemination of information related to  amputee issues at the state and national level.
• Make training available to persons with limb loss on:
  • Leadership
  • Self-Advocacy
  • Peer Counseling
  • Resource Development
• Advocate for  legislation that:
  • ensures every medically insured Texan is protected in the event of limb loss,
  • mandates appropriate private insurance coverage to prevent cost shifting to the public sector,
  • realizes cost savings in un-employment insurance, state employment and training programs, state rehab and counseling programs, and other social welfare systems. It is estimated that more than $11 in disability benefits is saved for every dollar spent on rehab, including prosthetic care. Saving the State thousands of dollars.
• Creatively raise the funds necessary for the accomplishment of the foregoing.

                   WHAT YOU CAN DO

 Contact your state legislator.

Phone your Senator or Representative and ask for their support on SB 54 or HB 223. Leave your name, zip code and indicate if you are an amputee, spouse/family member or supporter.

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Write to them at:

Texas Senate

P.O. Box 12068

Austin, Texas 78711

Texas House of Representatives

P.O. Box 2910

Austin, Texas 78768-2910

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Visit Texas Legislature Online at www.capitol.state.tx.us and send an email.

Please remember to thank them for their support.

Monetary contributions are appreciated. LSAR will not be seeking tax-exempt status at this time since there is not time to process the application with the IRS before the end of this legislative session. Please send your contributions to: Lone Star Amputee Rights, <Address>.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT