Societal Impact
Why should society in general worry about prosthetics?
According to the Prosthetics Parity Act of 2008 [37], the number of amputations in the United States is projected to increase due to the rising incidence of diabetes and other chronic illnesses. Additionally, amputees who receive a prosthetic limb are more likely to return to their ‘normal’ life and continue to be contributing members of society.
What are the implications of Prosthetic Parity for the public sector?
Adequate prosthetic coverage by the private sector would prevent the shifting of costs to the public sector. If these individuals were not to receive appropriate care, state Medicaid costs would increase due to other complications. Moreover, it would be more difficult for them to return to work and contribute to society. These patients would become dependent on society.
What have been the effects of the Prosthetics Parity Legislation in those states where these laws have been enacted?
There has been minimal or no increases in insurance premiums and have reduced Medicare and Medicaid costs. The incidence of amputations or the number of individuals for which a prosthetic device would be medically necessary has not increased. In those states, amputees are able to return more quickly to a productive life, State funds have been saved and the health insurance industry has continued to prosper.