The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services on Oct. 12 passed HCR 91, a resolution asking health insurers and managed-care organizations in the state to provide coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices, including sports prosthetics.

The measure does not mandate coverage but asks insurers to consider options to expand access. Supporters told the committee that advanced prosthetics can cost tens of thousands of dollars and that limited coverage leaves many people unable to participate fully in sports and physical activity.

Dr. Lewin of the State Health Planning and Development Agency told the committee the agency supports study of coverage but deferred to insurers about cost implications. “Patients who are on insulin really these days need these kinds of devices to notify them when the blood sugar is too low or too high,” Dr. Lewin said as part of earlier testimony supporting other health measures; Dr. Lewin also expressed support for studying prosthetic coverage.

Meg Severn, a 14-year-old amputee and local representative of So Everybody Can Move, described her experience after losing a leg to a rare bone tumor and receiving only a walking prosthetic through insurance. “Insurance companies say it’s only medically necessary for me to be able to walk, and therefore only provide me with a walking prosthetic,” Severn said. “If not for the generosity of others, I would be sitting on the side watching my peers be physically active.”

Severn urged lawmakers to support the resolution and noted that eight other states have adopted similar measures. Jack Dillon of KIPTA and David Ball also registered support but did not provide extended remarks.

On the committee floor, the chair summarized the resolution as a request rather than a mandate and recommended passage as is. The chair and vice chair voted aye; Senator Jarrett Hashimoto recorded an aye as well. Senators Keohokalole and Fevella were excused for the vote. The recommendation was adopted.

The resolution requests that insurers and managed-care providers consider providing coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices, with attention to affordability, but it does not create a statutory requirement or specify coverage criteria or benefit mandates.