O&P bill introduced in Senate

WASHINGTON – Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Steve Daines, R-Mont., have introduced a bill that would, among other things prohibit “drop shipping” of custom orthoses and prostheses to Medicare beneficiaries. 

The legislation, the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act, is a companion to a bill introduced in the House in June 2023 and now has 35 co-sponsors. 

“The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association appreciates the support and efforts of Senators Mark Warner and Steve Daines on the introduction of the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act,” said Eve Lee, executive director of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association. “We look forward to working with them and our sponsors in the House to pass this important piece of legislation.” 

Other provisions in the bill: It would ensure Medicare beneficiaries can access the full range of orthotic care from one O&P practitioner rather than requiring patients to visit multiple providers when the treating orthotist or prosthetist does not have a competitive bidding contract and; and ensure Medicare beneficiaries can access replacement custom-fitted and custom-fabricated orthoses when a change in their condition or clinical needs occurs. 

“This comprehensive legislation is important to both the O&P profession as well as the patients its serves,” said Mitchell Dobson, president of AOPA. “The legislation will help address the costly fraudulent practices Medicare beneficiaries have been experiencing in the recent years. It will also ensure that individuals living with limb loss and limb difference have access to the safe, quality clinical care they need and deserve. Thank you to Senators Warner and Daines for their work to get this introduced in the Senate.” 

AOPA will host its 2024 Policy Forum April 15-16 in Washington, where they will meet with lawmakers to ask for their support for the legislation.