Current situation
How many people are currently living with limb loss in the United States?
There are around 1.9 million people in the United States have limb loss or congenital limb abnormalities, including 70 000 younger than 18 years. Each year approximately 130 000 Americans undergo amputation.
Why are amputations performed?
They are usually carried out to prevent the spread of gangrene as a complication of diabetes, frostbite, injury, arteriosclerosis or any other illnesses that impair blood circulation. An amputation may also prevent the spread of bone cancer or to control the loss of blood and infection in patients who have suffered traumatic and irreparable limb damage. Likewise, they may be caused by traumatic experiences such as car or machinery accidents, war wounds, etc.
How much do prostheses cost?
According to the Amputee Coalition of America [5], a standard below-the-knee prosthesis that allows a user to stand and walk on level ground costs between $5000 and $7000. A $10 000 device allows the user to become a "community walker". For $12 000 to $15 000, an amputee can get a prosthetic leg that allows running and can function at a level almost indistinguishable from someone with 2 legs. Computer-assisted devices, that adjust the prosthesis for degree and speed of swing, cost between $20 000 and $30 000. On the other hand, an upper extremity device can cost anywhere between $3000 to $30 000.
What are some of the current insurance policies regarding prostheses?
It varies greatly depending on the company and the state. Some private insurance companies do not cover prosthetic care at levels equivalent to other medical conditions. However, others do not include this type of care and might cap benefits to $1000 per year. Some companies limit coverage to only one prosthesis per limb per lifetime, even for children. 62% of amputees say their coverage has remained the same in the past 3 years, while 31% claim it has been reduced and 7% say it has been eliminated. Medicare on the other hand does cover prostheses at the same level as it covers other conditions.
What about war veterans?
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs [33], the budget for its Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service is about $1.39 billion for 2008. Veterans are eligible to receive high-tech prostheses and even get an allowance to pay for clothing damaged through the wear and tear of using a prosthesis.