The So Every BODY Can Move (SEBCM) initiative is modernizing outdated insurance policies that define the comprehensive range of prosthetic and orthotic care—including devices necessary for physical activity, independence, and overall well-being—as medically necessary care. Ensuring access to appropriate devices allows people to be independent, stay active, and avoid the preventable complications that stem from prolonged inactivity. These reforms end the cycle of individuals being forced to go without, improving health outcomes and quality of life while supporting long-term physical and economic participation.
For many, amputation is not the end of treatment but the beginning of a lifelong struggle for mobility and independence. Limiting coverage to basic, heavy, or non-articulating devices discourages activity, shifting the burden of maintaining physical health entirely onto the patient. This can lead to serious comorbidities like obesity and cardiovascular disease, which further inflate long-term healthcare costs and contribute to lower survival rates. Functional parity prevents insurers from needlessly limiting access to preventive health.
Opponents of prosthetic and orthotic coverage bills often claim that expanding coverage to include activity specific devices will exponentially raise premiums for all members. However, state rate reviews facilitated have not shown a rise in premiums beyond national averages, demonstrating that these cost concerns are not the reality. Additionally, emerging research, such as “A Multi-State Analysis of the Fiscal Impact of Commercial Insurance Coverage for General-Use & Activity-Specific Prosthetic & Orthotic Devices in the United States", continues to forecast a minimal effect on premiums while demonstrating a high positive impact on access, quality of life, and long-term health outcomes.
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For more information on advancing prosthetic and orthotic coverage fairness and to learn more about SEBCM’s model legislation, contact So Every BODY Can Move at advocacy@amputee-coalition.org and visit SoEveryBODYCanMove.org
SEBCM is a grassroots disability-rights and healthcare initiative founded and led by members of the disability community. The movement operates through a disability-led distributed organizing model in partnership with healthcare professionals—orthotists and prosthetists, physicians, researchers, physical and occupational therapists, and community organizations—all working together to ensure life saving and fair access to the mobility care every body deserves.
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