The Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act (S. 2329) and (H.R. 4475) was introduced in the US Senate and the US House of Representatives on July 17.
Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced the bill in the Senate, and Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and Mike Thompson (D-CA) introduced it in the House. The bipartisan legislation would improve access, quality, and oversight in O&P care for Medicare beneficiaries.
The Medicare O&P Patient-Centered Care Act includes three essential provisions designed to improve clinical outcomes and reduce unnecessary Medicare spending:
- Prohibits drop shipping of custom O&P devices directly to beneficiaries, ensuring patients receive appropriate in-person care from certified professionals.
- Exempts O&P providers from the Competitive Bidding Program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies providers, simplifying care delivery by allowing patients to receive comprehensive services from a single provider.
- Allows timely access to replacement custom orthoses when a patient’s clinical condition changes—removing outdated barriers that delay medically necessary care.
An independent analysis by Braid Forbes Health Research estimates that the legislation would result in $60 million in net savings over ten years, including $73 million in fraud and abuse prevention and $13 million in savings from care efficiencies.
“This bill isn’t just about improving care—it’s about protecting patients and the integrity of the Medicare program,” said Rick Riley, AOPA president. “Medicare beneficiaries deserve access to personalized, clinically appropriate orthotic and prosthetic services—without risk of fraud, delay, or disruption. This legislation brings us closer to that goal, and we urge Congress to act swiftly.”
“Getting to this point has been a truly collaborative effort,” said Charity Quick, MBA, CAE, executive director of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists. “We are proud to stand alongside our partners in the O&P Alliance and the wider rehabilitation community to support legislation that prioritizes access to patient-centered, high-quality care.”
The Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition, 47 national organizations representing patient and provider interests, have formally endorsed the legislation. The National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP) and the Powers Law firm were instrumental in building the ITEM coalition.
“With Medicare OTS orthotic competitive bidding scheduled to be restarted in the next year or two and increasing national focus on Medicare program integrity, this bill comes at a critical moment to close dangerous loopholes, support ethical clinical care, and improve outcomes for patients,” said George W. Breece, NAAOP executive director.
NAAOP and the Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America will bring 33 advocates to Capitol Hill this month for an in-person Congressional Fly-In, where they will meet with legislators to promote awareness and encourage co-sponsorship of the legislation.
