BALTIMORE — A new Maryland law, the “So Everybody Can Move Act,” requires the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and state commercial plans to cover prosthetics designed for physical activities, including running, biking or swimming. is
The new law was spearheaded by John Edward Heath, a Marine veteran and Paralympian who lost his leg after being hit by a drunk driver.
“I’ve competed in Olympic weightlifting, I’ve done powerlifting, bodybuilding, so I’ve been very active my whole life,” Heath said.
Access to specialized artifacts
Heath needed special prosthetics to stay active after his amputation, and he was able to get them through the Veterans Administration.
Other amputees would have had to pay tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket for these secondary prostheses because they were not covered by insurance.
“If I request a particular foot or blade, I get it right away because I’m experienced,” Heath said. “That’s how the ‘So Everyone Can Move’ initiative started, because I realized that not everyone has the same access as me.”
Heath spent the past year working with Maryland lawmakers to pass legislation requiring insurance companies to pay for more than just a prosthesis for amputees.
Thanks to the new law, Which came into effect from January 1, 2025.Amputees have better access to these specialized prosthetics.
“It’s really rewarding and life-changing for a lot of people,” Heath said.
The battle for orthosis coverage
With the help of certified prosthetics and orthotics practitioner Cheryl Sachs, Heath is now urging state legislators to fight for insurance coverage for people who have orthoses, external devices — like braces — for those who have them. Those with mobility impairments.
“Usually insurance says you get one device for everyday use and that’s it,” Sachs said. “There’s an equality issue where the law is basically saying, because you have a mobility impairment, you don’t have the right to be as physically active as your peers who don’t have these impairments. ”
Dr. Andrew Buckner, Heath’s physical therapist, also plans to join. He sees first-hand what a difference movement can make.
“Whether it’s sports, whether it’s playing with your grandchildren, playing with your kids and just living life,” Dr. Buckner said.