Written by Alec McMorris

Mobility Should Mean More Than Basic Function

I have been an above knee amputee for 13 years. If you have lived through amputation, you know that it comes with a sharp learning curve. In every way. Physically, mentally, emotionally, socially. I could go on and on. Before I knew what a prosthetist was, I was approached about buying an old “sport knee” called an Xt9. I didn’t know anything about prosthetic knees. But I thought “well I want to snowboard again. I want to wakeboard again. I should get this.”

Boy, am I glad that I did. It’s still the knee that I use for any “activity” that I want to do. What I didn’t know at the time was that my everyday leg was not going to be able to snowboard. It wasn’t going to be waterproof enough to wake board on. Nor could the hydraulics really handle the level of riding that I wanted to do. I also didn’t understand the term “Medically Necessary”. To me, this knee may be MORE Medically Necessary to me than my regular get around town leg.

Since my amputation, movement has been my medicine. Snowboarding in particular has become a love I have a hard time putting into words. It’s where I am not an Amputee anymore. It’s somewhere I feel a spiritual connection, a healing wave washes away all of the stress I carry in my body. To me, this is the definition of Medical Necessity.

What Is So EveryBODY Can Move?

For the last two years, I have been working as a Core Team Member on the So EveryBODY Can Move legislation initiative. So EveryBODY Can Move advocates for legislation requiring insurance coverage for activity-specific prosthetic and orthotic devices.

These devices may support activities such as:

  • Running and walking for exercise
  • Cycling and other recreational activities
  • Swimming and water-based movement
  • Hiking and outdoor recreation
  • Participating in sports
  • Safely performing work-related physical tasks
  • Supporting children as they grow and their mobility needs change

The reality is that this list could run on forever. Because there are no limits to the ways we adapt, change, and move forward after amputation. The current definition of Medical Necessity is set up for us to survive after amputation. To get by. SEBCM advocates for the definition of Medical Necessity to mean we can LIVE after amputation.

Why Existing Coverage Can Leave People Behind

The problem is that Medically Necessary does not cover real life or the real world. I know a few amputees that need different devices because of their occupation. I know some that wear different feet depending on if they are with their Grandkids or not. I know many others that desperately want to go to the beach, want to go skiing with their kids, basic human needs that all of us have. But for many amputees, access to devices that allow these things are locked away.

Many insurance policies may cover a device that supports essential daily walking while excluding equipment designed for higher-impact movement or specific activities. As a result, people may be forced to choose between:

  • Paying thousands of dollars out of pocket
  • Giving up activities that support their physical and mental health
  • Using equipment that is not appropriate or safe for a particular activity
  • Limiting work, recreation, or family participation

We should all have access to be as functional as possible, no matter our circumstances. To me function does not mean just getting by. But that is the current definition of Medically Necessary. For many people, being able to move safely and confidently includes exercise, employment, education, recreation, and social participation.

A State-by-State Movement Is Building Momentum

Beginning in 2022, So EveryBODY Can Move legislation has gained momentum through state-level advocacy. There are currently 13 states that have passed SEBCM Legislation. Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington. Additional legislation has also been introduced or advocated for in states across the country.

Maryland’s So Every Body Can Move Act was approved by the governor on May 26, 2026, following legislative support in both chambers.

Each state’s bill differs depending on a number of factors. Some include eligible plans, covered devices, and timeline implementation. Although the details vary from state to state, the movement reflects a growing recognition that meaningful mobility cannot be defined by the minimum number of steps a person can take. It is a movement I am proud to be apart of here in Utah.

What This Legislation Could Mean for Individuals and Communities

Costs to taxpayers vary across states. But the impact is starting to be felt within the community. I have seen a shift in our communities towards getting more active. Being more mobile. 

Having this legislation could truly open up new opportunities for many of us living with limb loss. Things like:

  • Participate more fully in exercise and recreation
  • Pursue work and education with greater confidence
  • Take part in family and community activities
  • Reduce barriers to physical activity
  • Access equipment as their needs change over time
  • Experience greater independence and inclusion

For children and someone young like I was at amputation, activity-specific devices may be especially important because participation in play, school activities, and sports can support physical development, confidence, and social connection.

How Readers Can Support the Movement

If you are interested in supporting SEBCM, there are many ways you can support the movement. Including:

  • Learn whether their state has introduced or passed related legislation
  • Contact state legislators
  • Share personal experiences with coverage barriers
  • Visit: https://soeverybodycanmove.org/
  • Support efforts to educate insurers, providers, and policymakers
  • Follow legislative updates and public hearings

This is an extension of the Amputee Community. And that is what I love about it. It is a very supportive and uplifting environment. I encourage anyone that has a familiarity with amputation to get involved in your state. That is as simple and easy as reaching out to your State Representative and telling them this is something you care about. Conclusion: Movement Is Part of a Full Life

After all of the rehab, all of the highs and lows, knowing I would not have access to one of the things I love the most. If I did not buy that Xt9 when I had the means to do so. It is incredibly heartbreaking to think about. Who would I be? Would I be as well adjusted to life with one leg? Would I still have 2 amazing kids and a beautiful wife? Honestly, I am not sure. We got engaged at the ski resort. 

Those of us with different abilities can do anything anyone “able bodied” can do. We just need access to the tools that allow us to adapt to those environments. We all need to exercise, work, play, compete, travel, and be active members of our communities. Our insurance policy should not dictate our overall functional happiness. The team is working hard to change things in Utah, and across the nation. This is just one step towards giving amputees better care. But it is an important one.