In a recent letter to the agencies that oversee Medicare, U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN) voiced his concerns over a proposed rule that would limit coverage for lower-limb prosthetics.
In the letter, sent to both the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Paulsen asked that CMS protect flexibility for patients and doctors to determine the best prosthetics needed for each individual patient.
“The loss of any limb is a traumatic and life-altering experience, yet, thanks to medical innovation, modern prostheses can help amputees live a healthy, active life,” Paulsen said in the letter. “For seniors who sustain limb loss, prostheses can help regain significant amounts of functionality and eliminate the need to be confined to a wheelchair. For the millions of amputees under age 65, modern prosthetic care allows them to return to work and maintain the ability to live independently.”
Paulsen — a champion of small business and an advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship and innovation — serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and co-chairs the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.
Paulsen has represented Minnesota’s Third District in the U.S. House since 2009. Born in Bakersfield, California, in 1965, Paulsen previously served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1995 to 2009 and as majority leader from 2003 to 2007. Paulsen was educated at St. Olaf College.