Summary:
Orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) companies and advocates in Texas are supporting key state bills to expand Medicaid coverage and improve access to essential O&P devices for individuals with limb loss and limb differences, especially adults and infants, during Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Texas is the only state without Medicaid coverage for O&P devices for adults over 20, despite having the largest population of individuals with limb loss or limb difference in the U.S.
  2. Hanger and Ottobock are backing legislation (S.B. 1466/H.B. 5544 and H.B. 426) aimed at expanding Medicaid coverage for adults and providing access to cranial remolding orthoses for infants.
  3. Over 100 advocates gathered at the State Capitol on April 16th to raise awareness and push for legislative change that would help thousands of Texans regain mobility, independence, and quality of life.

April marks Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month (LLLDAM), spotlighting the critical need for access to orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) care for individuals living with limb loss and limb differences. Despite being home to over 550,000 individuals with limb loss/limb difference—the highest in the nation—Texas is the only state that doesn’t provide Medicaid coverage for O&P devices for individuals over the age of 20, such as a prosthesis for those suffering from limb loss.

Texas is a significant hub for life-changing prosthetic innovation and clinical care, with Hanger and Ottobock’s US operations headquartered in Austin. These Texas-based companies are collaborating with others in the state’s O&P community to support vital legislation aimed at expanding access to essential O&P devices.

The two primary bills being supported by Hanger and Ottobock include:

S.B 1466/H.B. 5544– designed to address the lack of Medicaid coverage in Texas for people over the age of 20 in need of O&P devices.

HB426– focused on providing coverage for childhood Cranial Remolding Orthoses (CROs), which will help treat infants with head shape deformities like plagiocephaly and craniosynostosis by setting eligibility criteria based on best practices. The bill, if passed, ensures timely access to CROs without financial barriers, improving outcomes for infants and easing the burden on families.

You can learn more about the bills here. 

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To champion the legislative efforts and honor LLLDAM, over 100 patients, clinicians, and employees from Hanger and Ottobock convened at the State Capitol in Austin on April 16th to highlight the significance of access to prosthetic and orthotic care and engage with legislators to raise awareness about the urgent needs of the O&P community in Texas.

“I lost my limb, but not my responsibilities,” said William Mortley, a 43-year-old veteran and lower limb amputee from San Antonio, TX. “As a father, I need to take my kids to and from school and provide for my family. I am fortunate to be able to do that, but many others aren’t. This bill will help countless Texans get back to normal and improve their quality of life. Having a prosthetic has been instrumental.”

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“Having access to high-quality O&P care is critical for individuals living with limb loss or limb difference,” said Pete Stoy, chief executive officer for Hanger Inc. “For many of these individuals, having access to the prosthetic or orthotic devices they need is often the only way they can work, take care of their families, and maintain their health through movement. We are honored to advocate on behalf of the patients we serve in Texas and across the country.”

“As a company proudly rooted in Texas, Ottobock is committed to helping people regain their mobility and independence. It’s unacceptable that our state—despite being a global leader in O&P innovation and service—is the only one that doesn’t provide Medicaid coverage for adults in need of this essential care,” said Scott Schneider, head of Medical/Government Affairs and Future Development at Ottobock North America. “These bills are an opportunity to align our policies with our values and ensure that every Texan has access to the tools they need to thrive.”