Garden State Times

The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee has approved Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco’s (R-25) bill aimed at expanding health benefits coverage for an additional prosthetic appliance.

“As a cancer survivor myself, I’ve seen the struggles patients must endure when dealing with health-insurance companies,” said Bucco. “Our goal with this legislation is to lift that weight off of families’ shoulders so children and adults alike can live life to the fullest and make this process as seamless as possible while giving amputees the peace of mind they deserve when going through these tough times.”

Currently, the law mandates health benefits coverage for expenses incurred in obtaining an orthotic or prosthetic appliance from any licensed orthotist or prosthetist, or any certified pedorthist, as determined medically necessary by the covered person's physician. However, it does not require coverage of an additional appliance for physical or recreational activities.

Bill S-1439 stipulates that health benefits must cover an additional orthotic or prosthetic appliance if deemed necessary by the covered person’s physician to enable participation in physical and recreational activities such as running, bicycling, swimming, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, and team and individual sports.

To read the full bill text or to speak with Sen. Bucco, contact Kyle Fischer, SRO director of communications.