Lawmakers hear from veterans, prosthetists and patients on SB 132 to expand insurance coverage for activity‑specific prosthetics

Sen. Bill Gannon, sponsor of Senate Bill 132, told the Health and Human Services Committee he filed the bill to let adults access additional prosthetic devices for sports and activity beyond a single “everyday” prosthesis. He said younger adults and active older adults benefit from activity‑specific components for biking, swimming, skiing and running and that broader access can improve health and quality of life.

The committee heard from prosthetists, patients and insurers in a two‑hour session that juxtaposed personal testimony with actuarial and regulatory cautions. Jason Lalah, a certified prosthetist and clinical director at Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics, described the technical differences between everyday feet and activity‑specific devices, including carbon running blades and waterproof components. “There is no way I could have done that” — Lalah described using a running blade to sprint for the Olympic torch relay and said activity prostheses are often obtained through foundations but can be costly to maintain.

Young New Hampshire resident Giovanna Schembri described receiving free prosthetics through Shriners’ care while under 18 and urged lawmakers to extend meaningful access after age 18. “When I turn 19, when I can't go to Shriners anymore…what happens when I suddenly have to start thinking about the prices and risks?” she told the committee, describing multiple attachments she uses for kayaking, violin and sports.

Insurers and industry representatives said they value mobility and activity but warned SB 132 could increase premiums. Peter Bragdon, senior policy advisor for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, said the plan already covers medically necessary prostheses, repairs and maintenance; the bill would require coverage of devices that are not medically necessary and could raise premiums. “Senate Bill 132 will result in higher costs, which will result in higher premiums,” Bragdon said, citing an actuarial fiscal estimate.

Jason Azzes of the New Hampshire Insurance Department provided the department's analysis used in the bill's fiscal note: a marginal cost estimate of about $27,000 per unit for eligible people in the fully insured commercial market, and an upper bound eligible population of roughly 8,900 people in the market. He and providers noted uptake is likely to be far lower than the eligible population; industry witnesses recommended a mandate review or carefully targeted language.

The hearing included insurer representatives who said HB 177 (children only) was amended to limit fiscal exposure, and they invited collaboration to narrow adult coverage proposals. Advocates and rehabilitation clinicians argued that activity‑specific prosthetics can prevent longer‑term health costs by helping recipients stay active and avoid chronic disease.

Ending: Committee members asked for additional data, including utilization and cost modeling, and encouraged insurers and advocates to negotiate targeted language. No committee vote was taken at the hearing.