Senate committee hears bill to require private insurers to cover secondary prosthetics and orthotics

Representative David Clark (House District) introduced House Bill 87 to the Senate Insurance and Labor Committee during a hearing that had no quorum and no vote. The bill would require private health benefit policies issued or renewed after Jan. 1, 2026, to cover orthotic and prosthetic devices that are “medically necessary” to perform specified activities of daily living, including bathing, toileting, playing and exercising.

The measure’s sponsor said the change does not create a new state program but would ensure private plans cover devices insurers currently deem not medically necessary. “This bill will make sure that people get the medical devices they need, not by adding new government programs, but by giving people the chance to live full independent lives,” Representative David Clark said during his remarks.

Why it matters: supporters said the bill would reduce long-term health problems and improve…