Faculty and Students Push for Expanded Insurance Coverage for Prosthetics and Orthotics

In addition to a daily activity device, prosthetic and orthotic users need specialized devices for activities like running or playing sports-which are often not covered by insurance. Advocates, including University of Hartford faculty and students, are pushing to change that.

"Insurers should not be able to deny a benefit for an individual with limb loss or limb difference that would be covered for a person without a disability seeking to perform the same activity," said Lindi Mitsou, associate professor of Prosthetics & Orthotics. Mitsou is also co-lead of the organization So Every BODY Can Move CT, which is urging the passage of a bill to expand prosthetic and orthotic coverage. 12 other states already have such laws on their books.

"Access to advanced prosthetic and orthotic technology can be life-changing for both physical and mental health," said Mitsou. "We are encouraged to see Raised Bill HB 5374 move forward and hope it will pass to ensure children, adults, and veterans with limb loss and limb difference can access the devices they need to live active, independent lives.

The effort drew Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz to campus this week. In a press event at the Francis X. and Nancy Hursey Center for Advanced Engineering and Health Professions, Bysiewicz heard from faculty and students from UHart's College of Education, Nursing, and Health Professions, as well as individuals living with limb loss.