Austin Advocacy Day 2026: Ottobock and Hanger, Inc. Aim to Make O&P Care Accessible for Texans Enrolled in Medicaid

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ottobock and Hanger, Inc., two global leaders in orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) care headquartered in Austin, are joining forces once again to advocate for access to care for individuals with limb loss and limb difference across Texas.

Despite being home to over 550,000 individuals with limb loss/limb difference, the highest in the nation, Texas is the only state that doesn't provide Medicaid coverage for O&P devices for individuals over the age of 20 with disabilities such as amputation.

In 2025, a coalition of advocates supported S.B. 1466/H.B. 5544 to address this issue, though the legislation ultimately did not advance out of committee. With plans to reintroduce the bill when the Texas Legislature reconvenes on January 12, 2027, individuals with limb loss and limb difference, healthcare providers, and advocates from across the state gathered at the Capitol in Austin on September 21 to educate policymakers about the challenges Texans enrolled in Medicaid face when seeking access to medically necessary O&P care.

Granting access to O&P care is not only the right thing to do for Texans with limb loss and limb difference, it is also a fiscally responsible policy. Providing timely access to appropriate care can help individuals maintain their independence, return to work, avoid preventable health complications, and lead more productive lives, creating benefits for both patients and taxpayers alike.

Photos from the event can be found HERE.

There are approximately 45,000 amputations in Texas annually. Many adult Texans who rely on Medicaid for their health care needs are denied access to O&P devices that could improve their quality of life.

Without timely care and the proper orthotic and prosthetic devices, Texans receiving Medicaid benefits face more challenges in living independently, working, and avoiding further health complications. The advocates supporting legislation aim to change that by granting coverage to the adult Medicaid population and allowing them to benefit from the rehabilitation and independence that appropriate O&P care can provide.

"The importance of ensuring that Texans receive the prosthetic and orthotic devices they need to live life to the fullest cannot be overstated," said Scott Schneider, Head of Governmental and Medical Affairs for Ottobock North America. "Our mission is to help people regain and maintain their freedom of movement, and we're determined to do that by providing proper, timely O&P care. Doing so not only improves quality of life for amputees daily, but it also makes a positive impact on our society. By receiving the care they need, they're able to get back into the workforce, take care of their families, and contribute to their communities. We're here to make that a reality for Texans on Medicaid through these types of collaborative advocacy efforts and telling the stories of real people who are affected by this issue every day."

Maggie Baumer, Leader of Enterprise Patient Advocacy for Hanger, Inc. shared her perspective, saying: "As an individual with limb loss who uses a prosthetic device, I understand firsthand how essential access to high-quality orthotic and prosthetic care is to maintaining independence, health, and quality of life. This legislation will help ensure that Texans with limb loss and limb difference have access to the care they need to stay active, support their families, and maintain health through movement. We are grateful to the advocates, clinicians, and individuals who shared their experiences with lawmakers during this event. Their personal stories, combined with compelling data and evidence, helped shine a light on this critical issue and underscore the importance of access to O&P care for Texans across the state."

Ottobock and Hanger, Inc. remain committed to advancing policies that support people with limb loss, limb difference, and other physical challenges, and this day of advocacy and awareness represents the next step in that mission.

About Hanger, Inc.
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Hanger, Inc. is a leading provider of orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) patient care services and products. The company operates as an ecosystem of diversified companies delivering complementary solutions to individuals and providers with O&P needs and is organized in two business segments – Patient Care and Products & Services. Through its Patient Care segment, Hanger provides comprehensive, outcomes-based O&P services to individuals of all ages at more than 925 Hanger Clinic locations nationwide. Through its Products & Services segment, Hanger serves the broader O&P community and skilled nursing facilities through designing and distributing branded and private label O&P devices, products and components, providing consulting services, and offering post-acute rehabilitative solutions. Rooted in clinical research, excellence, and innovation, Hanger is a purpose-driven company focused on empowering human potential. For more information, visit corporate.hanger.com.

About Ottobock
Ottobock has been helping people regain and maintain their freedom of movement for over a century. As a global leader in wearable human bionics, the company develops cutting-edge prosthetics, orthotics, and mobility solutions that promote independence and quality of life. With more than 9,300 employees and a presence in 135 countries, Ottobock drives innovation through clinical care, research partnerships, and technical expertise. including long-standing support of the Paralympic Games since 1988.

SOURCE Ottobock