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House Passes Prosthetic Parity Bill Requiring Medicare‑level Coverage
Summary
House Bill 66 passed after debate, requiring insurers to provide prosthetic-device coverage at a Medicare-equivalent reimbursement level; supporters cited low estimated per-member cost and benefits for amputees, while opponents raised concerns about preferential treatment and impacts on small employers (vote 48-25).
The Utah House passed House Bill 66 on Feb. 23, a prosthetic limb health insurance parity bill that would require insurers to provide coverage for prosthetic devices at no less than the Medicare reimbursement level and otherwise align prosthetic benefits with Medicare-level standards.
Representative Litback, sponsor, said the measure is similar to laws passed in other states and argued prosthetics are essential medical devices that support independence and employment for amputees. He cited studies (including an American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association review) estimating a very small per-member cost impact (approximately $0.05 per member per month, or $0.6 per member per year). Supporters said the measure corrects coverage gaps that can force amputees into difficult choices between work and necessary care.
Opponents raised concerns that the bill gives preferential treatment to prosthetics by tying coverage to Medicare rates (the lowest common denominator for provider payments) and could increase costs for small businesses and local governments; questions were raised about whether the language constitutes 'parity' or creates special treatment. There was discussion about the fiscal note’s distribution of costs — the sponsor said public employee plans (PEHP) would need to adjust but that the fiscal note shows limited budgetary impact overall.
After debate and summation, the House voted; HB66 passed 48-25 and was referred to the Senate for consideration.
