O&P stakeholders push ‘goodwill’ bill 

WASHINGTON – O&P stakeholders will use an upcoming policy forum to press lawmakers to support legislation that will enable patients to receive high-quality care by, among other things, prohibiting “drop shipping.” 

The Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act was re-introduced in the Senate in March, just ahead of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association’s 2024 Policy Forum, which takes place April 15-16 in Washington. It’s a companion to a bill re-introduced in the House of Representatives in June, which currently has 35 co-sponsors. 

“We've been able to increase our support and really move things along more quickly,” said Sam Miller, state and federal advocacy manager for AOPA. “Nearly half the sponsors of H.R. 4315 are on the Ways & Means and Energy & Commerce committees, the key committees that we need to move the bill.” 

The bill has several key provisions: 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 it would ensure they can access replacement custom-fitted and custom-fabricated orthoses when a change in their condition or clinical needs occurs. 

The bill would also prohibit “drop shipping” of custom orthoses and prostheses to Medicare beneficiaries.  

“This bill is really helpful in reducing fraud and wasteful spending in the Medicare system,” said Miller. “I think it's important to demonstrate goodwill to legislators to let them know that we are working to ensure that folks get the care that they need when they need it. Especially with our drop-shipping provision, this allows for patients to get the clinical care they need rather than receiving complex devices that they may not be able to use.” 

With bipartisan momentum toward sensible health care policy, Miller is hopeful the bills will gain some traction, despite a polarized Congress. 

“We’re excited to have both bills introduced and we’ll have folks on Capitol Hill talking it up with their legislators,” he said.