WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1077

Relating to: health insurance coverage of prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic braces. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by LaTonya Johnson and 4 co-sponsors

Wisconsin bill mandates health insurance coverage of prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic braces to improve accessibility for disabled individuals.

Read first time and referred to Committee on Insurance, Housing, Rural Issues and Forestry
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1077

Legislative bill overview

SB 1077 mandates health insurance coverage for prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic braces in Wisconsin. The bill appears designed to ensure that individuals with limb loss or mobility issues have guaranteed access to these medical devices without prohibitive out-of-pocket costs.

Why is this important

Prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic braces are essential medical devices that enable mobility, independence, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities or limb loss. Without insurance coverage mandates, these devices—which can cost thousands to tens of thousands of dollars—become inaccessible to many people, forcing them to choose between financial hardship and medical necessity.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden on insurers and premiums: Mandating coverage for prosthetics and orthotics increases insurer costs, which may be passed to consumers through higher premiums, affecting those who don't use these services
  • Scope and coverage limits: Disagreement over what constitutes covered devices (e.g., basic vs. advanced prosthetics, frequency of replacement, customization levels) and whether coverage includes all users or has income/medical necessity restrictions
  • Prior authorization and access delays: Questions about whether insurers can require prior authorization or other approval processes that could delay patient access to time-sensitive medical devices

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.