MARCH 15 UPDATE: HB-131, the “So New Mexicans Can Move” bill, now stands on the cusp of final passage. It cleared the NM state senate last night by a unanimous 41-0 vote, completing an incredible clean sweep: There was not a single vote cast against this bill in any venue. It sailed through four committee votes and two legislative floor votes with nary a peep of opposition.
Once the governor signs the bill, New Mexico will boast the most comprehensive prosthetic coverage in the nation. Kudos to AOPA, the Amputee Coalition, and above all to Kyle Stepp and Laura Lewis, the two citizens who championed the bill at the grassroots level. What an incredible achievement. If you’re not familiar with the bill, get all the deets here. Our May edition will have complete coverage of this landmark legislation.
Elsewhere: Indiana’s House Bill 1433 remains pending before the Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services. It already passed the House (also with unanimous, bipartisan support). Arkansas’ SKCM bill passed its first committee test, getting a “Do Pass” recommendation from the House Insurance & Commerce Committee. The New Hampshire version of this legislation stubbed its toe, however; members of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted to “re-refer” the bill, meaning it stays in place while the state insurance department conducts a review.
It has been at least a decade since we’ve seen this much momentum toward legislation that expands amputees’ access to prosthetic devices. To help you stay on top of all the bills as they move through their respective capitals, we’ve compiled this handy tracker. We’ll be updating it throughout the spring and summer, until the last sessions adjourn. And we’ll be letting you know what you can do to improve the odds of success.
NEW MEXICO
Bill number: HB-131 (NM legislative tracker)
Current status: Approved unanimously by House and Senate
Next steps: Awaiting governor’s signature
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: So New Mexicans Can Move
Lead sponsor: Rep. Liz Thomson (D)
Co-sponsors: Rep. Kathleen Cates (D), Rep. Joshua Hernandez (R), Rep. John Block (R), Sen. Siah Correa Hemphill (D), Rep. Gail Armstrong (R)
Citizen advocates: Kyle Stepp, Laura Lewis
About the bill: Requires insurers to cover recreational prosthetic devices for all amputees, regardless of age, if treating physician determines the device is medically necessary. Requires private insurers to offer prosthetic coverage equal to or better than Medicare prosthetic coverage.
Recent media coverage:
New Mexico Sun
Amplitude
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Bill number: SB177-FN (NH legislative tracker)
Current status: Pending before Senate Health and Human Services Committee (read committee report)
Next steps: Committee debate pending
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
Lead sponsor: Sen. Suzanne Prentiss (D)
Co-sponsors: Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka (D), Sen. David Watters (D), Sen. Donna Soucy (D), Sen. Rebecca Whitley (D), Sen. Donovan Fenton (D), Sen. Sharon Carson (R), Rep. Bill Bolton (D), Rep. William Palmer (D), Rep. Corrine Morse (D)
Citizen advocates: Noelle Lambert, Jason Lalla
About the bill: Ensures coverage of orthotics and prosthetics for the performance of physical activities for children 18 years of age and younger.
COLORADO
Bill number: HB23-1136 (CO legislative tracker)
Current status: Assigned to House Health & Insurance Committee
Next steps: Committee hearing (schedule pending)
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Rocky Mountain Orthotic and Prosthetic Coalition
Lead sponsor: Rep. David Ortiz (D)
Co-sponsors: Rep. Anthony Harstook (R), Sen. Faith Winter (D)
Citizen advocates:
About the bill: Requires insurers to cover recreational prosthetic devices for amputees under 26 years of age if treating physician determines the device is medically necessary.
ARKANSAS
Bill number: HB 1252 (AR legislative tracker)
Current status: Assigned to House Insurance & Commerce Committee
Next steps: Committee hearing (schedule pending)
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
Lead sponsor: Rep. Lee Johnson (R)
Co-sponsors:
Citizen advocates:
About the bill: Requires insurers to cover the most appropriate prosthetic device that adequately meets the patient’s medical and recreational needs, as determined by the physician and prosthetist
INDIANA
Bill number: HB 1433 (IN legislative tracker)
Current status: Passed unanimously by House of Representatives (91-0) on February 23
Next steps: Referred to Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
Lead sponsor: Rep. Harold Slager (R)
Co-sponsors: Rep. Julie Olthoff (R), Rep. Rita Fleming (D), Rep. Brad Barrett (R), Sen. Justin Busch (R), Sen. Rick Niemeyer (R)
Citizen advocates:
About the bill: Requires insurers to cover recreational prosthetic devices for all amputees aged 18 or younger if treating physician determines the device is medically necessary. Requires private insurers to offer prosthetic coverage to all amputees, regardless of age, equal to or better than Medicare prosthetic coverage.
MAINE
Bill number: LD 1003, Act To Improve Outcomes for Persons with Limb Loss
Current status: Enacted May 7, 2022
Lead sponsor: Rep. Colleen Madigan (D)
Co-sponsors: Cathy Breen (D)
Citizen advocates: Jordan Simpson
About the bill: Requires insurers to cover recreational prosthetic devices for all amputees aged 18 or younger if treating physician determines the device is medically necessary.
