State Senator Thomas J. Herlihy, R-Simsbury, is proposing legislation that would require health insurers to cover up to 80% of the cost of prosthetic devices. According to Sen. Herlihy, the use of such devices is for extreme medical conditions and should warrant medical coverage by health insurers. The legislation is currently before the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee where the bill is expected to be voted on in the coming weeks.
“Having artificial limbs that allow an individual to resume the most normal and productive life possible is a basic right for all individuals,” said Sen. Herlihy. “If we are going to provide coverage for breast reconstruction following a mastectomy or lumpectomy and wigs for individuals who have lost their hair through the process of chemotherapy then at the very least we should provide coverage so that people in need of an artificial limb can live the most normal and productive life possible.”
Under his legislation an insurance carrier would be required to provide coverage of up to 80% for prosthetic devices in all health plans, which is equal to the coverage and payment for prosthetic devices provided under federal law and regulations for the aged and disabled. Sen. Herlihy said that most private health insurance policies contain very limited coverage for prosthetic limbs. If passed, Connecticut would join Colorado, Maine and New Hampshire in increasing coverage to the exact same level as our Federal Medicare program. Sen. Herlihy said that the cost impact in these three states has proven to be minimal.
“Prosthetic devices are made for people who have a medical condition,” said Sen. Herlihy. “Usually this condition is quite severe and a prosthetic device is designed to make those in need of a limb to live as normal a life as possible. In my opinion a prosthetic arm or leg is part of the recovery process of someone who has been through severe trauma. By not allowing insurance coverage for the costs associated with such devices we are not allowing for the complete recovery of these patients.”
“Amputation of a limb is a serious surgical procedure that runs the risk of medical complications,” said Sen. Herlihy. “Because of this it is extremely important to provide amputees with prosthetic devices that are well made and carefully fitted. Poorly fitted and maintained prostheses contribute to skin breakdown, infection and increased medical care. We need to give people with this medical condition the peace of mind that they can go on with their lives knowing that they have coverage for prosthetic devices.” |
