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Committee advances bill to require prosthetic and orthotic coverage from podiatrists
Summary
The Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee amended and released Assembly Bill 3856 (and companion Senate Bill 1439), aligning the Assembly and Senate texts to require health‑benefit coverage of orthotic and prosthetic appliances obtained from licensed podiatrists. Supporters said the change aids mobility and participation; at least one member voiced concerns that mandates raise premiums.
The Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee on [date not specified] amended and released Assembly Bill 3856 — made identical to Senate Bill 1439 — to require health benefits coverage for orthotic and prosthetic appliances obtained from licensed podiatrists. Committee materials and witnesses said the change is intended to expand access to medically necessary devices for patients with limb loss or limb difference.
Steven Slowinski, a pediatric orthotist who led New Jersey’s team on the national “everybody can move” effort, told the committee that similar laws have passed in eight states and that advocates are seeking 28 states by 2028. Slowinski said the measure would help children and adults whose families currently rely on charitable assistance to afford prosthetic devices that restore mobility and participation.
Supporters referenced a fiscal and social impact report they said estimated a premium rate impact of less than 1 percent. Slowinski summarized clinical and social benefits and urged the committee to move the amendments.
Several committee members raised questions about the bill’s effect on insurance costs. A member who identified himself in the transcript as "mister Zimmerman" said broad mandates can increase premiums and cited a commonly‑used statistic — that small percentage increases in premiums can cause some employers to drop coverage — as the reason to consider alternatives such as expanding Medicaid coverage rather than adding mandates to all commercial plans.
Committee staff moved to amend and release the Assembly bill and to release the companion Senate bill. The clerk recorded the motion and a roll call; the chair announced the bill was amended and released. The transcript shows at least one abstention by a member who earlier expressed reservations and multiple recorded yes votes.
What’s next: The committee’s action advances the amended bill for further consideration by the Legislature; the bill remains subject to additional floor or committee action before final passage.
