Steps of Faith Addresses Insurance Gaps for Amputees with Prosthetic Aid

The article profiles Billy Brimblecom Jr., a professional musician who lost his leg to sarcoma and subsequently became CEO of Steps of Faith, a nonprofit that aids amputees lacking insurance coverage for prosthetic limbs. Steps of Faith has helped over 2,000 amputees nationwide by providing financial assistance for prosthetic devices, addressing a significant gap in health insurance coverage for prosthetics, which can cost from thousands to over $100,000. Fundraising efforts like the annual Thundergong! jam sessions, spearheaded with the help of friends and celebrities including actor Jason Sudeikis, have raised substantial funds—over $1 million recently—to support the cause. The article highlights the insurance challenges faced by amputees, including limited or no coverage for prosthetic devices under many health plans and the financial hardship this can impose. Worker’s compensation benefits often provide limited prosthesis options not suitable for return to work or mobility. Brimblecom's experience illustrates the broader issues of insurance inadequacy and the role of nonprofit organizations in filling the gap for those who fall through the cracks. Steps of Faith's mission supports not only mobility but also hope and quality of life for amputees, emphasizing the societal and economic impact of improved prosthetic access on patient rehabilitation and workforce participation.