Yesterday my letter voicing support of the Triple A Study Act to the editor of the New Haven Register was published. Here’s a link to the published letter followed by the text of the letter:
https://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODN/NewHavenRegister/Default.aspx#
Subject: Having an Arm or Leg Should Not be a Luxury. Support The Triple A Study Act.
Dear Editor:
As an amputee for 12 years, I understand the challenges of relearning to walk and returning to work. For the first three years following my injury, I was unable to wear a prosthetic leg and relied on crutches to ambulate. After a lot of hard work, I have returned to an active and productive life: kayaking, swimming, and enjoying the Connecticut Shoreline. As co-founder of the Connecticut Amputee Network, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many people living with limb loss and limb difference and hear their stories about the difficulty of adapting to their new lives and the impact on their ability to reenter the workforce.
I’m urging US Senator Christopher Murphy and US Representative Rosa DeLauro to become cosponsors of the Triple A Study Act. This Act studies specific challenges, including how often people are denied coverage for devices, and outcomes like whether patients can return to work. It identifies the best care practices for people with living with limb loss and limb difference so they can be replicated. Medicare, the VA system, and private insurers will all benefit from this information.
Over 2 million Americans and approximately 18,000 Connecticut residents live with limb loss or limb difference. The Triple A Study Act is an important step in improving the health and well-being of our community and allowing people living with limb loss to live the life they want to live.
Sincerely,
Brenda Novak
Volunteer, Amputee Coalition
Co-Founder, Connecticut Amputee Network
Branford, Connecticut