STATEHOUSE (Feb. 23, 2023) – The Indiana House of Representatives today supported State Rep. Hal Slager's (R-Schererville) legislation expanding low-income children's access to much-needed prosthetic and orthotic devices, which is currently limited under Medicaid.
Currently, Indiana Medicaid covers one pair of prosthesis or artificial limbs for a child every five years. Medicaid also covers certain orthotic devices like ankle braces that treat foot, leg or back problems, and recipients are limited to one device every five years. Slager said these limitations under Medicaid put growing children at a disadvantage, especially because their sizes and needs change over time.
"Low-income families often struggle to pay for costly prosthetics and orthotics for their children, and Medicaid simply isn't meeting the need in this area," Slager said. "This legislation could really help improve the quality of life for these kids who are already facing health challenges. Whether it gets them out on the basketball court with their friends or helps them do everyday life a little easier, this bill is the right thing to do for Hoosier children."
Under House Bill 1433, Medicaid coverage would be expanded to cover all orthotic devices, and include two orthotic or prosthetic devices for the child's medical and recreational activities. During the House Public Health Committee, a 17-year-old quadruple amputee testified that he received a poorly fitting prosthetic, which led to an infection that sidelined him during his basketball season. Once he received a pair of properly fitting running blades, which are different than his everyday prosthetics, he was able to play basketball again.
Slager said the bill would increase the reimbursement rate that a provider of prosthetic and orthotic devices receives so that it's closer to the higher Medicare reimbursement rate.
To learn more about HB 1433 as it advances to the Indiana Senate, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) represents House District 15,
which includes a portion of Lake County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
