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Committee hears testimony on bill to require insurers to cover medically necessary activity-specific prosthetics
Summary
Vermont lawmakers heard personal testimony and expert analysis in support of House Bill H432, which would clarify that insurers (including Medicaid) must cover medically necessary multiple prosthetic or orthotic devices, such as waterproof or sport-specific limbs. Witnesses cited small estimated premium impacts in other states and described physical, developmental and mental-health benefits.
Vermont lawmakers heard more than two hours of testimony on House Bill H432, legislation that would require insurers to provide coverage for medically necessary prosthetic and orthotic devices beyond a single basic prosthesis.
The bill’s sponsor, Representative Molly Burke, introduced the measure and said it aims to ensure amputees have equitable access to devices that restore full bodily function for daily life, work and recreation.
"This bill gives a person who has an amputation equitable opportunity to be returned to the full use of their body," Burke said in opening remarks.
Why it matters: Supporters — including a statewide advocate, clinicians, prosthetists and several people with limb loss — described routine denials when patients seek additional, activity-specific devices such as running blades, waterproof prostheses or ski legs. David Heiler, state lead for the So Everybody Can Move initiative, told the committee that single-device coverage often leaves people unable to do essential or restorative activities.
"Simply…
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