HARRISBURG – A bipartisan group of state senators plan to introduce legislation to ensure that Pennsylvanians with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairments may access the orthotic and prosthetic devices they need to fully restore function. Over 276,000 Pennsylvanians live with limb loss or limb difference, yet many cannot access the devices required to safely move, work, care for their families, or participate in physical activity. The “So Every Body Can Move Act” would clarify existing insurance obligations for both fully insured commercial plans and government insurance programs including Medicaid and Medicaid Managed Care plans to ensure the coverage of orthotic and prosthetic services and devices. The measure would cover prosthetic and orthotic devices deemed appropriate by a physician; covers devices required for bathing and showering;.establish insurance fairness by covering and reimbursing such care at levels at least equivalent to Medicare; and prohibits discriminatory denials, ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the same functional restoration that would be provided to a patient without a disability. If approved, the legislation would align PA with 12 other states that have enacted similar versions.
