While we work diligently every day to serve our patients, we are also participating in work behind-the-scenes in order to help ensure that our patients maintain access to their care.
What is advocacy, and how does it relate to orthotics and prosthetics (O&P)?
Advocacy is the "public support or recommendation of a particular cause or policy" (New Oxford English Dictionary). Almost every year, bills are introduced into Congress, advocating preservation of patient access to quality orthotic & prosthetic care, as well as to protect the O&P businesses who are serving those patients.
What organizations help to advocate on our behalf at the federal level?
We are fortunate that there are many organizations that advocate for the orthotic and prosthetic field at the federal level. Some of these organization include (but are not limited to):
· American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA)
· National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics (NAAOP)
· O&P Alliance: a group with representatives from multiple orthotic & prosthetic professional organizations:
Which members of Congress represent Dankmeyer's offices?
At the federal level, Maryland's senators represent all constituents in the state of Maryland. Our current senators are Senator Angela Alsobrooks and Senator Chris Van Hollen. The state of Maryland is broken into 8 different districts, each with a different representative. The following representatives correspond with our offices:
· Western Maryland Office - Representative April Delaney
· Eastern Shore Office- Representative Andy Harris
· Baltimore Washington Office- Representative Johnny Olszewski
· North Baltimore Office- Representative Kweisi Mfume
Are there any "big wins" from an advocacy standpoint for the state of Maryland?
Yes! We are very fortunate that back in May 2009, Maryland's governor at the time, Martin O'Malley, signed into law the Prosthetic Parity Bill. This requires insurers in Maryland to provide meaningful coverage for prosthetic devices and better care for individuals with limb loss. You can read more about it by clicking here.
In May 2024, Governor Wes Moore signed the So Every Body Can Move Act into law. This law went into effect on January 1st, 2025. It requires fully insured state commercial plans, state employee plans, and Medicaid to provide coverage for activity-specifc prostheses (in addition to daily prostheses) when deemed medically necessary by the healthcare prescriber. Please talk to your clinician for more information and to see if you qualify.
That’s great! What about at the federal level?
We have had some great "victories" at the federal level too! For example, in 2018, as part of the Continuing Resolution and Spending Bill, agreed upon by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the President signed into law that clinic notes written by a patient’s O&P practitioner are now considered part of the patient's medical record. This was a huge step forward, it means the practitioner's notes can be used to further justify medical necessity for patient care.
There was also a recent legislative win in 2025. Beginning in 2026, Medicare no longer requires a patient to present with ligament laxity in their knees in order to provide coverage for osteroarthritis knee orthoses.
Are there any O&P advocacy efforts going on right now?
Yes! There are two bills that have been introduced at the federal level--one in the House of Representatives and one in the Senate. Both of these bills are focused on patient care, and help ensure orthotic and prosthetic patients receive appropriate and safer care. For more information regarding these bills, please click here.
At the local level, dedicated advocates are working during the 2026 legislative session to expand the current So Every Body Can Move Act to include coverage for activity-specific orthoses. Our Senate Bill number is SB 276. The House Bill number is HB 445.To get involved with the effort at the state level, please email sebcm.md@gmail.com.
I'd love to get involved! Are there any webinars where I can learn more?
Yes! The National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics (NAAOP) has been holding monthly webinars with advocacy updates. You can access the calendar by clicking here.
That's great! What else can I do?
It is important to share your voice with your members of Congress, to advocate for access to care, and to educate them as to why these current bills are important to you. You can always write to your congressperson in your own words, but if you need help getting started, AOPA has resources for you to use! For additional guidance and to email your representative and/or senators, please Click here.
We encourage patients to actively advocate for themselves and their needs. Your voice is important! If you have any questions about advocacy, please email info@dankmeyer.com.