HR1334: HR1334 Georgia Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Day at the state capitol; 03/10/26; recognize

26 LC 129 1080 House Resolution 1334 By: Representatives Clark of the 100th, Mathiak of the 82nd, Lumsden of the 12th, Kelley of the 16th, Schofield of the 63rd, and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing March 10, 2026, as Georgia Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Day1 at the state capitol; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, movement is medicine, and physical activity is a right, not a privilege; and3 WHEREAS, the benefits of physical activity on health and well-being cannot be overstated;4 and5 WHEREAS, millions of children and adults in the United States w ith limb loss, limb6 difference, and mobility impairments are unable to afford and access life-changing prosthetic7 and orthotic devices due to inadequate insurance coverage; and8 WHEREAS, over 18,000 Georgians lose a limb each year, and over 200,000 Georgians live9 with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairments; and10 WHEREAS, limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairments affect people of all ages,11 income levels, and backgrounds; and12 H. R. 1334 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1080 WHEREAS, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, infections, cancer, and trauma are cited13 as the leading causes of amputation; and14 WHEREAS, addressing the needs of individuals with limb loss, li mb difference, and15 mobility impairments requires comprehensive healthcare coverage , access to affordable16 orthotic and prosthetic assistive devices, rehabilitative services, and support systems; and17 WHEREAS, prosthetic and orthotic clinical care is considered a habilitative or rehabilitative18 health benefit for the purposes of any state or federal requirements for coverage of essential19 health benefits; and20 WHEREAS, access to appropriate prosthetic and orthotic care for people living with limb21 loss, limb difference, and mobility impairments, including cove rage of prostheses and22 orthoses for the activities of daily living; essential job-rela ted activities; personal23 hygiene-related activities such as showering, bathing, and toileting; and physical activities24 such as running, biking, swimming, and strength training to maximize whole-body health and25 both upper and lower limb function is medically necessary and vital to enable individuals to26 reach their full potential, live independently, and live well; and27 WHEREAS, individuals in need of orthotic or prosthetic care wit h health benefit plans,28 policies, or contracts executed by the state to provide healthcare coverage on behalf of state29 employees, public school teachers and employees, and members and employees of the Board30 of Regents of the University System of Georgia and their retire es and dependents are31 provided access to the appropriate medically necessary prosthetic and orthotic care including32 coverage of prostheses and orthoses.33 H. R. 1334 - 2 - 26 LC 129 1080 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that34 the members of this body recognize March 10, 2026, as Georgia L imb Loss and Limb35 Difference Awareness Day at the state capitol to honor Georgia residents with limb loss and36 limb difference and their consummate advocacy for inclusive medical policy coverage.37 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized38 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the39 public and the press.40 H. R. 1334 - 3 -