United Healthcare was sued late last year for several causes of action related to prosthetic limbs and their refusal to pay for some prosthetic limbs for their customers. Two amputees filed a lawsuit against the company, claiming its practices are in violation of law.
One of the lawsuit’s claims is that United wrongfully refuses to pay for myolectric arms. Myoelectric arms are a type of upper limb prosthetic device which can be used to replace the essential functions of the arm, hand, wrist, and elbow. According to the lawsuit, by the 1980s myoelectric arms were being used in rehab centers around the world. They are commonly issued today for amputees suffering from upper limb loss.
The lawsuit claims that when compared with body-powered limbs, myoelectric arms have superior comfort, aesthetics, and functionality. They give the amputee the ability to move digits through muscle control and are essential for users who want to grasp objects, move their hands with dexterity, and perform the various other essential activities of daily living.
However, according to the lawsuit, United systematically denies all claims for microprocessor limbs, claiming that they are not the most basic device that will meet the member’s needs. The lawsuit claims these policies violate the law.
If you are a customer of United Healthcare, or another insurance company, and your claim for a myoelectric or microprocessor-controlled limb was denied, you should speak with an attorney. Call me, Conal Doyle, at 310-385-0567. I am working on several lawsuits against insurance companies and can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation.