Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the state’s recreational prosthesis bill—SB-2195—into law, expanding access to O&P devices for physical activity, benefiting all ages.
“With this legislation, we are ensuring that those who use prosthetic or orthotic devices can acquire the most appropriate models to enhance their overall health,” said Sen. Ann Gillespie (D), one of the bill’s cosponsors. “Expanding what is covered by insurance will allow more individuals to get the devices they need to regain mobility and participate in the activities they enjoy.”
The Illinois bill cleared both houses of the legislature in May. It will go into effect January 1, 2025. The Prairie State now joins a host of other states who have passed similar bills.
In May, Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera signed the Colorado bill, So Colorado Can Move (HB-1136), and New Mexico passed a law similar to Colorado’s in April. Arkansas’ bill was signed into law in April, covering individuals with K3 and K4 activity levels. In May 2022 Maine became the first state to pass a law requiring insurers to approve claims for recreational prosthetic devices for children under 18.
Bills in Indiana and New Hampshire did not pass this year. In Indiana, the bill unanimously passed the House, but stalled in a Senate committee. The New Hampshire bill was sent to the Division of Insurance for a fiscal analysis and stalled in committee. No further action for the Indiana or New Hampshire bills will be taken until 2024.
