By JoNel Aleccia
DESCHAPELLES, HAITI -- Seventy-three legs, 12 arms.
If anyone's counting, that's how many prosthetic limbs Jay Tew of Baton Rogue, La., has turned out for earthquake amputees in Haiti in the past three weeks.
The 38-year-old clinician and his crew have been working dawn to dark at the Hopital Albert Schweitzer, an 80-bed medical center more than 60 miles from the country's capital city, Port-au-Prince.
In a clinic housed in a converted classroom, Tew has been fitting, forming, sanding, painting and testing limb after limb for the steady stream of amputees who've made it to the rural outpost.
"I don't think we're going to stop seeing new patients for some time," said Tew, a regional manager for Hanger Orthopedic Group. "They say there may be hundreds of people here once the flood gates open up."
With the help of U.S. prosthetic maker Hanger, the rural hospital founded by American philanthropist William Larimer Mellon, Jr. is rapidly becoming a center for rehabilitation -- and hope -- for Haiti's amputees.
"If I can say there's an oasis in Haiti, we're in it," says Tew, glancing around the spare clinic with its cinder block walls and cement floors that wouldn't normally constitute luxury.
So far, the hospital has been able to manufacture and deliver vital prosthetic limbs for men, women and children, patients who test their new arms and legs by dancing to music and kicking soccer balls each evening
On a hot, humid evening, more than 30 patients and their family members lounged on the porches of eight small block houses in L'Escale, an area set aside to shelter amputees who have nowhere else to go.
They laughed and chatted in animated Haitian Creole, teasing, telling stories and calling greetings to passersby. One 10-year-old boy raced to see how fast he could get across the stony ground on the crutches he'll use until his new leg is ready.
"One doesn't have right leg, one doesn't have a left leg, one doesn't have a hand," said Ian Rawson, the HAS director. "They're all there together, playing music. They've created a lovely community."
It's a community forged out of tragedy and need. Even before the earthquake, an estimated 40,000 to 64,000 Haitians were so disabled by trauma or disease they needed prostheses, leg braces or other rehabilitation services, said Robert Kistenberg, who heads the U.S. chapter of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics. The earthquake added another 4,000 to 6,000 amputees to the toll in an instant, according to estimates by the aid group Handicap International and the Haitian government.
"In Haiti, they were not able to meet the needs of the people even before the earthquake," Kistenberg said.
That's where Tew and his staff come in. They volunteered to spend three months at HAS, fabricating and fitting limbs as part of Hanger's pledge to create an ongoing rehabilitation program training Haitian technicians and treating amputees now and in the future.
"The key is a sustainable center," said Tew. "It's not to come in and make a lot of legs and leave."
A father of three girls ages 8, 10 and 12, Tew said he did not hesitate when Hanger asked him to go. In fact, he'd already discussed the possibility with his wife, Shannon, as they watched early television coverage of the earthquake.
"I looked at Shannon and I said, 'I'm going to Haiti,' and she said, 'Yes, I know you are.'"
For her part, Shannon Tew, 40, said she couldn't deny the need, or her husband's desire to help. A graduate of Northwestern University's Prosthetics-Orthotics program, Tew had previously volunteered to help amputees in Mexico and is considered an expert in the treatment of military amputees.
"I think it's all he could ever think of and dream of doing," Shannon Tew said.
It's part of a larger dream for HAS, too.
Founded in 1956 by a son of one of America's wealthiest families, the hospital has logged a half-century history of ministering to the medical and social needs of the poorest residents of Haiti's Central Plateau.
Mellon, heir to the Andrew Mellon family banking and oil fortunes, started the hospital after becoming enthralled in midlife with the medical missionary work of Albert Schweitzer.
Mellon and his second wife, Gwen Grant Mellon, worked out a deal with the Haitian government to take over an abandoned fruit plantation in the rugged Artibonite River Valley. The hospital became the hub for care for the region of about 300,000 people, where poverty and disease are rampant.
It's a legacy now assumed by Rawson, 70, one of Gwen Mellon's three children from a previous marriage. Rawson retired from a career as a hospital system administrator in Pennsylvania to take over where his mother left off.
His task has been magnified by the aftermath of the quake, which may propel rural HAS into becoming a central player in the nation's reconfigured health care system. Haiti's president, Rene Preval, has called for decentralizing the country's infrastructure for health, education and jobs. Under such a plan, HAS would become one of eight rehabilitation centers around the country.
"This is the hardest work we've ever done," Rawson said of the months since Jan. 12. "But it's the most rewarding."
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You trained in the US, born in the US, why not stay in the US>
How selfish can a person be??
Hyperbarics is a global medical method,just as x rays are a global method. There is no limit or boundary here-M
I'm one of Jay Tew's clients. I'm not complaining. Why are you Silly? Jay isn't using public funds that I've heard. This is what Jay has worked for his whole adult life. A chance to make a difference. The Hanger Prosthetists are cycling through there. The plan had been for 3 every week. Jay will have a replacement after 3 months. (I hope!) I know for a fact that Bernie, Steven and some great techs are in Baton Rouge watching over things. Jay taught them and they are excellent. Baton Rouge Hanger was not left empty. I'm so proud of what Jay is doing in Haiti. Can't speak for Jay, but I know him well. I doubt he cares what Xenophobes in his own country think. He is there because it is the right thing to do.
The small minded selfish people who suggest that we all need to only help "our own" in the U.S. are beyond maddening to me. What in the world are you thinking? It is one thing if you want to sit on your selfish ass and do nothing to help your fellow man abroad ... but to take issue with someone else helping is totally RIDICULOUS. Go away.
That is a selfish statement. And I'll bet you are a Republican and pretend to be a Christian also. Jesus made no distinction, especially when it came to healing the sick.
Why won't God heal amputees?
Despite all the praying it's never happened.
JoNell,
during this unfortunate crisis, Unknown to you and the media, the head hyperbaric doctor in America, teamed up with his designer/engineer, and asked the US navy, if they could donate hyperbaric chambers during the crisis to avoid this very issue!!!As you know,hyperbarics is paid for by insurance companies to save limbs as an on label way to infuse damaged capilaries with oxygen, and bypass an amputation, they do it all the time, and it costs less than an amputation, look at 36,000 vs.9,000 for Hyperbarics otherwise known as H-Bot. The atmospheric pressure that can not be obtained on the earths plain ..is the main catalyst to healing. By receiving this un- natural pressure, the oxygen, then forces to heal places that it could not yet otherwise reach. The oxygen re activates cells in their once dead state, and allows new stem cells to grow. Most people dont know that you can actually grow your own stem cells in a chamber like this. In our local chamber, we have treated celebrities,cage fighters, athletes, and brain injured children. When the crisis struck Haiti, all services were offerd FOR FREE!!!!... And denied by the us navy. At the time, we had 2 chambers bolted in a mobile unit ready ro go, and also a tech who has designed many free standing,mobile, and travel clinics. It is no mystery how to put a chamber on a ship, it has been done already, and has assisted divers for condition's such as the bends for a long time now. I have been outraged since the denial of our offer, and am just re living this rage again, you need to know this information- conatact me please..we still may be able to help with media attention!!...neuroquestions@gmail.com
sincerely, M. Gonzales
Why aren't you giving priority to our soldiers? Yes there is misery in the world, but we can't stop it all. We need to take care of our own people: the hungry, the homeless, the amputees, the invalids. What is so heroic about going to another country when we have tremendous need right here. I'm sick of these stories.
I think the Veteran amputees from Iraq and Afghanistan wars are given priority. Many of the advances in prosthetics have come due to research started because of the wars. The legs I wear are directly from those advances. I know of a bilateral below the knee Colonel who is testing a pair of powered legs that allow him to walk. There are finally arms that can plug into the brain. The statement I love from an Army rehabilitation doctor is: "We are not teaching these guys to walk. We are teaching these guys to run." The inpatient care especially of military amputees has been excellent. What is lacking is health insurance coverage that actually covers prosthetics without stupid lifetime limits, if you have any at all. (Again, check your insurance to see if you are covered). What is lacking is solid rehabilitation and support for amputees who find themselves alone. But helping Haiti should not bring on waves of heartless Xenophobia. It can happen to you at anytime and you should want good people ready to help you through what should never be considered the end of life.
The military and the VA has an obligation to take care of our soldiers. They don't require volunteers and charity. They have our tax money.
Rhonda, Keep dreaming honny, The VA could not operate as well as they do without the volunteers who are there. YOU have never REALLY been to a VA center if you think just tax dollars are at work. My husband and I are BOTH disabled vets who use the VA. THANK GOD FOR VOLUNTEERS!!!!
The United States has hundreds if not thousands of experts on Prosthetics, Haiti has none. I highly doubt that our young men and women who are in need in the United States are suffering from this man's absence while he TEACHES those in Haiti these vital skills. He is teaching by doing, which is the best way for someone else to learn.
It disgusts me to see my fellow citizens who are such Xenophobes (sorry if that's a big word for you - look it up) seem to be in the majority these days. Just another sign that we're on the way out as a people.
This makes me sick, I have a son that lost his arm and his insurance won't
pay for a prosthetic for him and here we are just making them for people
in other countries. Something wrong with that picture.
SCB-1693520 Where do you live? Why won't the insurance pay for him?
Then use your anger to help change the insurance company, but don't vent your frustration as a victim on the other victims of the world.
Wait until you need one......better hope someone is there for ya!
You are completely ridiculous, do you not understand that yes, it is good to help other counrties but not in a time when our own country is also suffering.
1 John 3:17 But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won't help him--how can God's love be within him ? 1 John 3:18 Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions. 1 John 3:19 Then we will know for sure, by our actions, that we are on God's side, and our consciences will be clear, even when we stand before the Lord.
Prov. 19:17 When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord--and he pays wonderful interest on your loan!
Why won't god heal amputees?
I suppose this is the real test for mankind, right now I am so angry over health care my heart is full of malice and hate. This is what Satan wants from us. When I first read this article I thought, at tax payers expense. We will help those in need. but soon I feel we will start to see our elderly parents die at a very fast rate. Special American doctors will help those like the Haitians, but turn away there own. My mother was told she will lose her Dr. if this healthcare goes through. Yet they always give freely to non American's. Doesn't say much for most of our American doctors does it?? I keep praying for the anger to go away..and for peacein my heart. I hope it does soon. God Bless us all!
Pray for some writing skills while you are at it.
1 John 3:17 But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won't help him--how can God's love be within him ? 1 John 3:18 Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions. 1 John 3:19 Then we will know for sure, by our actions, that we are on God's side, and our consciences will be clear, even when we stand before the Lord.
Prov. 19:17 When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord--and he pays wonderful interest on your loan!
1 John 3:17 But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won't help him--how can God's love be within him ? 1 John 3:18 Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions. 1 John 3:19 Then we will know for sure, by our actions, that we are on God's side, and our consciences will be clear, even when we stand before the Lord.
Prov. 19:17 When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord--and he pays wonderful interest on your loan!
1 John 3:17 But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won't help him--how can God's love be within him ? 1 John 3:18 Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions. 1 John 3:19 Then we will know for sure, by our actions, that we are on God's side, and our consciences will be clear, even when we stand before the Lord.
Prov. 19:17 When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord--and he pays wonderful interest on your loan!
I am a proud administrator in a Hanger office. Our Practice Manager will be going to Haiti in the coming weeks. Though he will be missed our office will provide the same level of care to our patients. Our patients in turn have been generous donating to Hanger's Prosthetic Limb Drive. All Hanger locations nationwide are accepting old prosthetic limbs. To those who want to know Hanger does help a lot of our veterans here in the USA. We work hard to provide the best quality care to all our pratients no matter who they are. Thank you Redcat15. It's having a patient like you that makes the staff in the office I work in love their jobs. Check out www.hanger.com to see all the work Hanger is doing. We are always working on new technology to help all our patients but ESPECIALLY our veterans.
Proud. Thank you to all employees of Hanger and everyone in the field. It is just a fact of an amputee's life that the person who makes his legs (Jay Tew is the Prosthetist and Chris is the tech) becomes like a member of his family. There is really no way a non-amputee can understand what it is like to be an amputee. But I'll keep trying. I'll keep visiting new amputees in the hospital. I'll keep trying to convince the hospitals and rehabs in my town to improve the care they give amputees. I pray with all of my heart that none of you have to lose a limb, but if you do you will have good people to help you recover.
When you meet an amputee in your hometown, try to understand what he has been through. He or she is happy to be alive and that leg or arm gives him freedom and mobility and a chance at a full life again. You don't have to make a big deal out of it. Just smile. Also....if your kid wants to ask a question, don't pull them back. That arm or leg won't bite and I think most amputees would let a kid "kick the tires."
Gregory, I believe one post is enough, but I have to agree with you, even as a self-proclaimed liberal and non-christian. You can have a very good moral stance even without a book telling you what you need to do.
You just need to watch the world around you and see the suffering.
Why be so selfish, when you have clothes on your back, food in your stomach, and a house over your head? And probably all your limbs. When as a country we have so much, why not share at least some with those that have little.
Our country is in poor shape because of the greedy and the selfish and the lazy. People scream "socialism is evil", but I think they just never learned how to share and be at peace with it, or what it means to labor over a 12 hour day and get literally nothing but pennies.
Is better not to pay attention to this idiot who is complaining, he or she does not know any better. Are the people in Haiti to dark or to poor for you? selfish, shame on you. May God bless this doctor and the Albert Schweitzerfamily for the rest of they lives, I will be praying for them for doing the right thing.
The good people of Haiti have persevered through some the worst crisis one can possibly imagine. These people deserve a hand.
Sorry about the multiple posts. Technical error.
What a pity that some people are so narcissistic that they read a wonderful article like this... and all they can think is, "There is less for me!" Absolutely pathetic. An epic failure of human spirit and compassion. Shame on you... and shame on your parents for raising you so selfishly... and self-absorbed. Quit your navel-gazing and look around you... you'll get more out of life by giving of yourself, than by stamping your feet and screaming, "Me me me!"
As for the good doctors giving selflessly of themselves, and to Hanger... Good for you! May there be a thousand people and businesses like you, for every one of those narcissistic shriveled souls.
I am appalled at how selfish some citizens of this country are. As a human being, is it not right to help other fellow human beings when they are in such dire need? If you placed yourself in the position of those in Haiti -- having your home, your family, and on top of it all, your limbs taken away from you in the blink of an eye -- I am sure that you would want any help you can get. As a country, we are extremely fortunate to have the luxury of having the resources and skills to help those much more unfortunate than us. Yes, there is a lot of misery in this world and it is not possible to help them all, but is it wrong to try? Shouldn't we as a human race make an effort to decrease the misery in this world instead of standing by and watch it happen just so we can "preserve" our own fortune? I am shocked that there are even people out there who can oppose such good deeds. If this is what the American people believe, then I am ashamed to be American.
P.S. There is something called karma. It exists believe it or not. Beware.
I believe as you do..that good deeds should be done willingly..and it should not matter what nation it is..Help should be given wherever help is needed.
We should really listen to the words to Man in the Mirror.
I have to say in the past year or so I have felt like hatred and fear have taken over so many Americans, so much selfishness, corruption and ignorance. When I read this article it gave me hope that there are still good people out there, doing the right thing because it is right. Not because of selfish desires for fame, money or even credit. They do it because they are decent. We should all hope to make a tiny percentage of the difference they are in someone else's life.
I was also glad to see all the positive posts but I have to say I am absolutely devastated to see that a human being could actually be so selfish as to say we should only help those that are American. It breaks my heart, period. What if it were your son, daughter, mother, father or friend that needed helping and because of selfishness was denied it? What if it was you who were bleeding, beaten and dying on the street and the people who were capable of helping passed you by without a second thought? That saddens be beyond words.
I have been unemployed for over a year now. My rent is due soon and I am broke. But I live in the greatest country in the world. I know this because I have been to many countries and have seen the differences. I've had a tough year but you know what? Somehow, someway I am still able to survive month to month and know my future will be better. Isn't that a wonderful feeling to have? God bless America. I watched on TV as this horrible disaster occurred in Haiti and felt so horrified to see the suffering these people were enduring. I sent my last 25 dollars to the Red Cross. It made me feel worthwhile. The following month I was blessed with some unexpected income.....go figure. God bless those that are able to help, God Bless Jay Tew.
I too was in your same situation. I donated $25 each to two different charities, after being unemployed for 10 months. 1 week later*9days* after the earthquake I started a new job. You tell me God isnt good??? He blesses those who bless others. Some of you need to watch the movie "Pay it Forward".
This is probably the only country you can live in be out of work almost a year and not lose everything you have worked hard for. We are truly blessed as Americans and we must help out those in need.
As much as I am inclined to help our citizens first, there are times when we must look beyond that belief. In Haiti the amputees can't ride around in wheel chairs in and out of handicap accessible buildings. The ability to be fitted with a prosthesis gives them only a fighting chance at the most basic means of survival. How could anyone not want to support this effort. I applaud the work of everyone involved in this project.
Although I know that there is a great need for a lot of things right here in our own backyard. I too am very proud of people like Mr. Tew. As a best friend of a recent amputee and army vet, this story warms my heart. We as people have to look at the bigger picture....we must help ALL HUMANITY. I only wish I had the skills, talents, and resources to change someones life. I too would be in Haiti or any place that needed me. No need to worry about our military amputees as they are VERY well taken care of. God Bless all of the people involved with this project, this is bigger than you and I. This is truly God's work! The people of Haiti could never afford this type of medical treatment, you have given them a new lease on life.
God Bless You ALL!
All of you speaking negative on these efforts, just think if it were you in this situation. Don't say it can't happen because anything can happen.
I have a son here the US and he lost his arm and the insurance won't pay for a
prosthetic for him. But yet we are giving the to people in other countries, something
wrong with this picture.
These posts actually show that the vast majority of Americans are rooting for and trying to help those with less. My 4 year old son, adopted 2 years ago from China, has outgrown his first prosthetic leg (made by Hanger) and I am so happy to know that I can donate that limb to a child in Haiti. That child's mother will witness the wonderment and joy in her child's eyes as he/she is given the ability to walk. I will never forget my son's first steps on two legs. It was a magical moment. Hanger Rocks and so does our Hanger prosthetist, Greg Sachs, north of Baltimore. And if any child in the USA needs a little right leg, I'd be happy to donate at home. Children do not have more or less value because of the country they live in.
I think you need to be an amputee in America to appreciate what some of these people are angry about. Insurance that will pay for the amputation, but will not pay for the restorative prosthetic.
I have nothing against helping any amputee - because I am one - but what some of the amputees reading this article are thinking is - gee I should just fly to Haiti where I can stand in line now and get one free, from Hanger - when they won't even give me the tine of day here without insurance to pay for something I cannot afford and cannot buy without a prescription I cannot get - then get on the plane and come home. You people who are NOT amputees should cut off a limb and try it sometime and you'll sing a different tune really fast.
Make no mistake, Hanger is getting paid on this from somewhere. Hanger built me a low cost cheap leg prosthetic socket in a rush because of all they could bill for did not want to do it right, it did not fit right, they had me sign a blank form, then fraudulently filled in more stuff they did not supply, billed for it, got paid and when they were called on the fraud, sort of lawyer-ed up and dropped me as a client.
But it is amazing what a Human interest story will do for all the people out there who do not know what it actually like to BE an amputee in America, and - while I am not arguing either side, it certainly appears tragedy is what we live with as a system day in and day out in America, while tragedy in somewhere like Haiti is actually closer to Christmas for them though in an ugly painful way.
Maybe Hanger should just stay over there, and let honest small prostheticists who really CARE, and are not corporate billing and lying machines have the business here in America. I am a real ex-patient of Hanger dumped by them because of their billing fraud, and I know how they really work over here - screw Hanger, and at least yeah for the Haitians who can benefit from the rip off artists going over there to help themselves. Make no mistake Hanger is getting paid on this somehow - it ain't just altruistic - if nothnig but "good press".
I will say this. Screw THAT Hanger. The different Hanger offices are operated by their local managers. I know of Hanger offices that will do everything they can to help you. In most states there is department involved in rehabilitation. In Louisiana it is part of the Department of Social Services. If you need a leg to get back to work in Louisiana, the State will pay for it. One of the hurdles is they don't advertise this. It also can take a few months to clear their bureaucracy. Check your state and see if they have a department similar. Rob, from another Rob, you keep pushing. Don't give up. If that path is closed. Find another. See if there is an amputee support group in your area. If not, start one. Call the Amputee Coalition of America and see if they have any suggestions. Care of amputees in America is not what it should be. Part of the reason is most "able bodied" people in the U.S. are terrified of the idea of ever losing a limb so they put it and you out of their minds. So amputees are a forgotten minority. Prosthetics coverage is one of the easy coverages to cut because one in a thousand knows what his coverage is anyway. Also it never occurs to the CEOs of most companies that they can lose their limb just like anyone else. When an out of control car hits someone on the sidewalk, it doesn't check to see if the suit was made at Brooks Brothers. If the weathy and powerful understood that their bodies can be torn apart just like the folks on the bottom of the ladder, it wouldn't be long before all insurance policies had decent coverage for prosthetics. Never, never, never quit!
SCB, that's more a fault of the greedy vampire insurance companies than the doctors. Hangar is probably taking a loss on every prosthetic limb made for those who can't afford them. Yes it sucks they don't do limbs for everyone for free; but what company stays in business that long? It's not like they're getting reimbursed from the government, which already has enough on it's plate. Insurance is supposed to stick out for us in America, and denizens of the Third World have natural selection or the generosity of others to stick out for them.
If anything, your son's example is why health care is in need of major reform. People don't get limbs, medicines, etc.
I think you need to be an amputee in America to appreciate what some of these people are angry about. Insurance that will pay for the amputation, but will not pay for the restorative prosthetic.
I have nothing against helping any amputee - because I am one - but what some of the amputees reading this article are thinking is - gee I should just fly to Haiti where I can stand in line now and get one free, from Hanger - when they won't even give me the tine of day here without insurance to pay for something I cannot afford and cannot buy without a prescription I cannot get - then get on the plane and come home. You people who are NOT amputees should cut off a limb and try it sometime and you'll sing a different tune really fast.
Make no mistake, Hanger is getting paid on this from somewhere. Hanger built me a low cost cheap leg prosthetic socket in a rush because of all they could bill for did not want to do it right, it did not fit right, they had me sign a blank form, then fraudulently filled in more stuff they did not supply, billed for it, got paid and when they were called on the fraud, sort of lawyer-ed up and dropped me as a client.
But it is amazing what a Human interest story will do for all the people out there who do not know what it actually like to BE an amputee in America, and - while I am not arguing either side, it certainly appears tragedy is what we live with as a system day in and day out in America, while tragedy in somewhere like Haiti is actually closer to Christmas for them though in an ugly painful way.
Maybe Hanger should just stay over there, and let honest small prostheticists who really CARE, and are not corporate billing and lying machines have the business here in America. I am a real ex-patient of Hanger dumped by them because of their billing fraud, and I know how they really work over here - screw Hanger, and at least yeah for the Haitians who can benefit from the rip off artists going over there to help themselves. Make no mistake Hanger is getting paid on this somehow - it ain't just altruistic - if nothing but "good press".
Ahhh. That is intriguing. Again, insurance company is at fault here; and it's kind of difficult to say if the fault lies in Hanger charging too much for the prosthetic so that insurance companies are wary, or if the insurance company wants to make a profit out of something so important to people's lives ("they'll pay anything...")
It would definitely be an worthwhile story to parallel the American amputee and the Haitian one. However, I suspect the Haitian one would probably be dead a lot quicker in a third world country, but I've regrettably never given enough thought, or known an amputee, so I can only imagine the difficulty of getting around here in the States without a limb.
The prosthetics being made for Haitians arecrude compared to those made in this country. Hanger and the other prosthetic firms jumping into help would burn up their funds in nothing flat if they fitted hi tech parts. Besides the Haitians need legs that are easy maintenance and don't need a computer science degree to program. The prothetics being made in the U.S. are wonderful and very, very expensive. Something over a Billion dollars was spent to produce the newest prosthetic arms that react to nerve impulses. The legs I wear are so much better then the legs I started wearing almost 4 years ago. I know that the legs I wear in 5 years will look nothing like the ones I do today. They work wonderfully and I'm not complaining. Everyone in the "food chain" makes their money. (I don't know how the pie is divided, but I wish I did.) If the insurance companies are the bad guys it is because unless an amputee is independently wealthy or about to get a huge law suit payout; they can't pay for a decent prosthetic without insurance. The typical below the knee prosthetic runs around $20,000, the above the knee prosthetic can run to $40,000 depending upon the computers installed. There are now power legs for above the knee amputees being tested that can move themselves with out forcing the hips and butt to do the work. Most people have no earthly idea if they have prosthetic coverage in their policy. Amputation is the last thing they want to think about. What tends to happen is employers tell the health insurance companies to cut costs where ever possible. Since people don't pay attention to their prosthetic coverage, it is an easy cut. If you spot an amputee, go talk to him. Ask to see the leg. I bet he will let you. Be advised that these new legs are so good most amputees can fool you just by wearing long pants. Most amputees can spot another one, but that is another story.