State By State

Regional News

Updates from Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, New York, Texas, and Washington

Become an AOPA State Rep. If you are interested in participating in the AOPA State Reps network, email awhite@AOPAnet.org.

Each month, State by State features news from O&P professionals about the most important state and local issues affecting their businesses and the patients they serve. This section includes information about medical policy updates, fee schedule adjustments, state association announcements, and more.

These reports are accurate at press time, but constantly evolve. For up-to-date information about what is happening in your state, visit the Co-OP at www.AOPAnet.org/ resources/co-op.

NEW MEMBER RESOURCE ALERT

AOPA has invested in a new resource that allows us to track legislative and regulatory activity related to O&P in every state. We will be updating the state pages on the AOPA Co-OP with alerts as they arise.

Submit Your State News To submit an update for publication in the State by State department of O&P Almanac, email awhite@AOPAnet.org.

Illinois

Following the Jan. 1, 2021, rollout of the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program for off-the-shelf orthoses, Illinois HB 62 proposes the creation of the Pharmaceutical and Durable Medical Goods Committee to negotiate the prices of pharmaceuticals and durable medical goods with suppliers or manufacturers on an open-bid competitive basis for the state. The Illinois Society of Orthotists and Prosthetists opposes this legislation and seeks to exclude custom orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic (OPP) care based on definitions in the Illinois OPP Practice Act and the qualified OPP provider language.

Kansas

The updated BCBS Kansas policy titled “MicroprocessorControlled Prostheses for the Lower Limb” has been flagged by AOPA and members in Kansas. AOPA is currently reviewing the policy and discussing a possible medical review request with the insurer. Please visit the AOPA Co-OP for updates.

Michigan

Members in Michigan and the Michigan Orthotic and Prosthetic Association have reported that they are in the beginning stages of seeking legislation that would limit the amount that any payor could undercut Medicare/ Medicaid rates for prosthetic coverage.

New York

Working closely with members and on behalf of the New York AAOP Chapter, AOPA has conducted two successful letter-writing campaigns designed to garner support for a Medicaid fee schedule raise, resulting in more than 300 letters written to New York state representatives. For details, visit the New York page of the AOPA Co-OP.

Texas

In Texas, HB 2134—Relating to Coverage for Childhood Cranial Remolding Orthosis Under Certain Health Benefit Plans—has been referred to the Insurance Committee and scheduled for a public hearing, the date of which is to be determined. AOPA will continue to share updates on HB 2134 via the AOPA Co-OP.

Washington

A bipartisan coverage bill has been introduced in Washington, co-sponsored by eight Republicans and nine Democrats. HB 1427 specifies that health plans issued or renewed on or after Jan. 1, 2022, must provide coverage for benefits for prosthetics and orthotics that are at least equivalent to the coverage provided by the federal Medicare program, and no less favorable than the terms and conditions for the medical and surgical benefits in the policy.

Looking for

O&P Leaders

Build your network. Advance your career. Give back to the profession.

Volunteer for a Workgroup and/or Committee.

The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) has opened its annual call for volunteers and we need your

talent. Employees of all AOPA member companies are invited to serve on one of AOPA’s Committees and/or Workgroups.

ADVOCACY

AOPA VOLUNTEER COMMITTEES | WORKGROUPS

 Assembly Planning Committee  Coding and Reimbursement Committee  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee  Government Relations Contributions/Fundraising  Government Relations Committee  Member Services Committee  Operating Performance and Compensation Workgroup  Research Committee  State Representatives  Veterans A airs Committee

RESEARCH

EDUCATION

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to become involved in the O&P profession by supporting AOPA and your colleagues!

Terms of service are two-years and begin December 1, 2021. Most workgroups or committees meet face-to-face at least once per year with monthly conference calls lasting approximately one-hour. Additional time commitments include reviewing materials and work to accomplish the goals of each workgroup or committee. For details about the goals and responsibilities of each workgroup or committee and information on the process, refer to the Call for Volunteers Policy.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 30, 2021

Submit your application at www.AOPAnet.org/volunteer.

QUESTIONS? Contact Betty Leppin at bleppin@AOPAnet.org or 571-431-0810.