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House approves bill to expand insurance coverage for activity-specific prosthetics
Summary
Lawmakers passed Senate Bill 97 to require coverage for activity-specific prosthetic and orthotic devices, allowing up to three devices per affected limb in a three-year period, with the House moving the effective date to January 2027.
The House voted unanimously on March 26 to pass Senate Bill 97, a measure supporters called the Kentucky version of the "So Everybody Can Move Act," which expands insurance coverage to include prosthetic and orthotic devices designed for specific physical activities.
The sponsor, the gentleman from Edmonson, said the bill would allow a patient with a prescription from a licensed health-care provider to receive up to three devices per affected limb over a three-year period, for both everyday use and activity-specific devices for running, swimming, biking and other sports. "This bill will help those experiencing limb loss or limb difference live healthy and active lifestyles here in the Commonwealth," he said.
A House Floor Amendment changed the effective date from January 2028 to January 2027. Lawmakers described personal testimonials received in committee and on the floor: one member related meeting people who benefit from access to activity-specific devices for children and adults.
During floor debate, members asked whether copays would apply; the sponsor said that level of cost-sharing would depend on individual insurance-plan terms. The House then adopted the committee substitute and floor amendment and passed the bill by unanimous recorded vote.
What happens next: The bill proceeds for enrollment and eventual transmission to the governor.
Provenance: Sponsor explanation and emotional floor remarks begin at SEG 541–SEG 581 and the final passage vote is recorded at SEG 753–SEG 758.
