Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Healthcare Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee backs coverage for second prosthetic device for Tennesseans under 17 after moving bill to finance
Summary
Senate Bill 4-22, as amended, would require insurance coverage for a second prosthetic device for children 17 and under for activities such as running and swimming. The committee heard emotional testimony from three children who described how specialized prosthetics restored mobility and participation in activities.
Chairman Reeves explained that under SB 4-22 "if you are under the age of 17 in the state of Tennessee and you need to get a 2nd prosthetic device for activities such as running, cycling, swimming or strength training ... then it will be covered by insurance in the state of Tennessee." He said the amendment set age limits and adjusted the effective date.
Three young witnesses testified. Elizabeth Shulov, who identified herself and said she "lives in Bartlett" and is 12, described losing limbs and how swimming and running prosthetics allowed her to "walk into the shower" and participate in sports. Elizabeth said, "Before them, I had to, like, crawl to the shower, or my parents would have to carry me in." Jubilee, age 8, and Alex, age 11, described improved mobility and activity with specialized prosthetics. Members praised the witnesses and the committee adopted the amendments and moved SB 4-22 to the finance committee (recorded as 8 ayes, 1 no).
