Bill would enhance prosthetic limb insurance coverage

SALT LAKE CITY — A measure that would require health insurers to meet some minimum standards of prosthetic limb coverage — a bill left on the boards when the Legislature ended the session last year — got a nod of approval Tuesday from the House.

House Minority Leader David Litvack, D-Salt Lake, the sponsor of HB66, said the inclusion of the coverage on those plans that currently don't have it would have only minimal impact on costs, which he estimated at about 60 cents per plan member per year.

The change, Litvack said, will provide much-needed relief to those residents who rely on a prosthetic device, some of whom currently must avoid full-time work to continue to receive Medicare benefits that cover those medical expenses.

HB66 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

The bill may be read online at le.utah.gov/~2010/htmdoc/hbillhtm/hb0066.htm.

— Arthur Raymond