ANNAPOLIS, Md. — U.S. Marine veteran and DMV native John Edward Heath lost his left leg after being hit by a drunk driver. But because of his military background, insurance covered for a variety of prosthetic legs that he can use for running, swimming and other activities.
"I realized that the access that I have as someone who served and somebody who has VA benefits, somebody who has Tricare and DoD benefits," he explained, "does not extend to the average person."
So that's why he says he started fighting for other amputees last December, because right now, most coverage plans provide one prosthetic leg intended just for walking. That leg can't be used for more physical activities.
"If you want to go run, you don’t have to ask for permission. You’re telling me that I can’t go run because you don’t want to pay the same amount of money that you’ll pay for a walking leg is the same as a running blade?" he said.
There's a bill in the Maryland General Assembly right now, called the "So Every Body Can Move" Act. Heath says this legislation could give amputees a chance to get their lives back.
"What we’re asking for in this legislation is not outlandishly out of the ordinary," he said.
On Monday evening, Heath told WUSA9 that the bill passed with amendments. So it'll go for a vote before the full committee, which should happen later this week.
He and other amputees who have testified before lawmakers say the investment in their physical health could have a long-term effect on their mental health too – potentially lowering other future medical costs.