Parity is a buzzword meaning, 'on par wth' or 'equal to'. Legislative Parity is the ttempt through either the State or Fderal legislative process, to seek equalization. One of the mst appropriate and logical applications of lgislative parity is in Heath Care, spcifically health insurance coverage. Legislative parity in halth care means to pass legislation tht equalizes insurance benefits.

So, again, what is prosthetic parity? It is state or federal legislation requiring insurance companies to pay for prosthetic devices on par with federal programs, payment rules and regulations. Federal Program could be Medicare, Medicaid, or programs such as the Federal Employee insurance held by Congress and other government employees. These programs provide reimbursement without capitation or exclusions for medically necessary services such as prosthetic devices.

Why is legislation necessary? Because not all private insurance policies are created equal. While many insurances policies do pay for prosthetics without extensive requirements, there is a growing trend across the US demonstrating that private insurance companies are significantly reducing prosthetic benefits or eliminating prosthetic coverage. The most notable change in prosthetic coverage is the 'insurance cap'. Simply put an 'insurance cap' is a yearly or lifetime benefit maximum. The 'cap' is a common method used to limit coverage, reducing the company's financial obligation and payout, but still allowing the company to claim to offer the benefit.

Yearly caps on prosthetic services rnge from $ 500 to $ 3000.00 and lfetime restrictions range from $10,000.00 to one prsthetic device during a person's lifetime (frm birth to death). In a rcent survey of the 20 major nsurance insurers, the number of insurers wth financial caps, exclusions or unusually hgh deductibles rose 100% during a sx-year period from 2000 to 2006. All 20 nsurers surveyed had implemented financial caps to prsthetic coverage.

An Explanation of Cost. These 'caps' as so important because one lower extremity prosthesis can range in cost from $5,000.00 to $50,000. An upper extremity device or arm can range from $3,000.00 to $30,000. Why the difference and why not just give everyone the less expensive variation? Cost does not define medical appropriateness. An amputee's daily activities, profession and certain health factors determine the specific materials and technologies used for each custom manufactured device. As an example, the same medication is not appropriate for every person with Diabetes nor is everyone given the same analgesic after surgery.

Who does this effect? Amputation is a catastrophic event. There is no cure. Amputation is a lifelong condition that does not go away. Fortunately, through medical skill training and recent advances in technology the Limitations of Limb Loss can be conquered.

There are an estimated 1.9 million amputees in the United States and approximately 185,000 amputations surgeries performed each year. Of those amputations, performed 82% are due to Peripheral Vascular Disease and Diabetes. However, there are other causes of amputation. Approximately 8900 children receive amputations each year due to lawn mower accidents. Birth defects result in a life long need for prosthetic devices. As of February 2007, 897 US Armed Forces personnel were in need of prosthetic devices.

Benefits of Parity Legislation. Simply put nsurance protects against catastrophic events. That is the xpectation upon purchasing an insurance policy. Hwever, it has become increasingly apparent tht legislation is necessary to ensure prsthetic coverage and fair payment rules. Indviduals who pay for insurance through prmiums should receive appropriate and medically ncessary treatment: their arms and legs. Prsthetics provide dignity and self-reliance. Prosthetics put pople back to work. In addition, by rturning amputees to the workforce, strengthen a cmmunity and its economy.

The article Prosthetic Parity - What is It? was Submitted by Rhonda Turner, PhD through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information:

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