Advocating for Independent O&P Practices on Capitol Hill

Published in Orthotics & Prosthetics on April 27, 2026

Federal policy decisions shape how orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) care is delivered, reimbursed, and regulated. For independent O&P practices, these decisions directly affect patient access, clinical autonomy, and long-term sustainability. Yet too often, O&P policy is developed without practicing clinicians or independent providers in the room.

That is why OPGA recently joined national O&P advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill to ensure independent O&P practices are represented where policy is being written.

OPGA sponsored and attended the AOPA Policy Forum alongside AOPA and the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP). Following an in-depth policy briefing, OPGA representatives met directly with federal legislators to advocate for priorities that directly impact patient-centered O&P care, O&P reimbursement, and practice viability.

OPGA sponsored and attended The AOPA Policy Forum alongside AOPA and The National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP).

Representing OPGA were Jeff Kessler, Director of OPGA, and Adam Miller of VGM Government Relations, working on behalf of VGM & Associates.

A Unified Approach to a Complex Industry

The policy forum began with an important reminder: orthotics and prosthetics advocacy is most effective when the industry speaks with a unified voice.

Orthotic and prosthetic practices face many challenges, including:

Reimbursement pressure
Rising costs
Staffing shortages
Increasing administrative burden

Not every issue can be addressed at once. Meaningful O&P policy reform requires focus, coordination, and ongoing engagement with lawmakers across party lines.

The priorities selected by AOPA and NAAOP reflect issues that are both timely and achievable. OPGA proudly supports this coordinated approach to strengthen clinician-led care and protect the future of independent O&P practices.

Key Orthotics & Prosthetics Policy Priorities Shared With Lawmakers

Keeping Clinicians at the Center of Care

In meetings with Iowa legislators, OPGA emphasized the importance of the Patient-Centered Care Act and the need to keep licensed clinicians directly involved in O&P patient care.

This is not only a clinical issue. It is a cost and integrity issue.

When clinicians remain central to care delivery:

Patient outcomes improve
Fraud, waste, and abuse are reduced
Long-term system costs are lower

Policies that remove or bypass licensed clinicians may appear efficient on paper, but they ultimately increase risk and cost while reducing quality.

Reforming Competitive Bidding and Coverage Rules

OPGA advocated for reform of the Reasonable Useful Lifetime (RUL) five-year rule and excluding O&P clinicians from future rounds of competitive bidding.

Independent O&P practices should not be treated like commodity DME suppliers. Orthotic solutions and prosthetic solutions, such as custom-fabricated orthotics and custom-fitted prosthetic devices, require clinical evaluation, follow-up, and accountability.

We also asked lawmakers to prohibit dropshipping of custom orthotics to Medicare beneficiaries. Removing clinical oversight increases fraud, waste, and abuse risk and undermines patient safety.

Investing in O&P Research and Patient Resources

OPGA also advocated for continued funding of the Limb Loss Resource Center and increased investment in O&P outcomes research. The Limb Loss Resource Center provides critical support for individuals living with limb loss or limb difference and serves as a trusted resource for clinicians guiding patients beyond the clinic.

Outcomes research is equally important. Strong data allows the profession to demonstrate value, informs smarter reimbursement policy, and helps clinicians make better decisions that lead to better patient outcomes involving orthotic support and prosthetic solutions.

Why Orthotics & Prosthetics Policy Matters to Independent Practices

Independent practices are often the first to feel the impact of poorly-designed healthcare policy. Reduced reimbursement, increased documentation requirements, and DME-focused regulations place disproportionate strain on smaller clinics delivering specialized O&P care.

Advocacy is core to OPGA’s mission. By showing up, aligning with national partners, and engaging directly with lawmakers, OPGA helps ensure independent practices are not left out of conversations that shape the future of the profession.

Stay Engaged

OPGA is proud to support AOPA and NAAOP in these advocacy efforts and remains committed to representing members at both the federal and state levels.

If you want to learn more, get involved, or access legislative resources available to OPGA members, we encourage you to reach out. Your input helps guide where we focus next.

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