A bipartisan, bicameral bill proposed on July 17 by U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) would ensure Medicare beneficiaries have access to medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, while at the same time addressing waste, fraud, and abuse around such devices.
“After nearly three decades working as a therapist, rehab services manager, and licensed nursing home administrator, I’ve witnessed the challenges people face when they need orthotics or prosthetics,” Rep. Thompson said. “This bipartisan bill recognizes that access to medically necessary, high-quality, orthotic and prosthetic care is essential to a patient’s mobility and overall quality of life.”
Rep. Thompson sponsored the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act, H.R. 4475, with three original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), while Sen. Daines cosponsored the identical S. 2329 alongside bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) in the Senate.
“The last thing orthotics and prosthetics patients should have to worry about are unnecessary hurdles impacting access to quality care,” Sen. Daines said. “I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan, bicameral bill that will reduce waste and fraud in the Medicare system and remove unneeded regulations that hinder access to prosthetic and orthotic devices.”
Under current Medicare requirements, beneficiaries are at risk of receiving orthotic and prosthetic devices without the necessary services and customization required for the best use. The bill would clarify the law and permit Medicare beneficiaries who require prosthetics and orthotics to receive such services, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“For Virginians living with limb loss or mobility challenges, access to quality orthotic and prosthetic care isn’t optional — it’s essential to living with dignity and independence,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to ensure Medicare covers the specialized services and devices these patients need, while also cracking down on fraud and abuse that drive up costs and undermine trust in the system.”
The bill has garnered support from almost 50 organizations, including the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association, the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists, the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics, the National Disability Rights Network, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the United Spinal Association, among many others.