House approves measure requiring coverage for orthotic and prosthetic devices

The Georgia House passed Senate Bill 101, a bill that requires health‑benefit plans in the state to cover orthotic and prosthetic devices when medically necessary. Representatives debated the measure briefly and approved it by a recorded vote, 167 yeas to 2 nays.

"These devices are not luxuries. They are not cosmetic. They are medically necessary for function," Representative Bennett said in a floor speech supporting the bill, describing orthotic and prosthetic devices as essential for mobility and daily activities. The sponsor on the floor, Representative David Clark, told members the bill contains language from House Bill 87 and had been vetted by the House committee.

Supporters described the bill as aligning Georgia with national clinical standards and providing coverage for fittings, training and repairs. The bill also sets reasonable limits, supporters said — for example, a limit described on the floor of no more than three devices per limb over three years — while allowing insurers to deny coverage for misuse or theft.

Representative Park Cannon offered a minority report focused on implementation and timing: the report supported the bill’s substance but urged an earlier administrative report on claims and costs than the 07/01/2032 date specified in the enrolled language. Cannon said the minority report was "specifically about an efficient government and a process to understand what happens once we do this," and asked colleagues to seek an earlier reporting deadline.

The bill passed on a roll call of 167‑2. The House adopted the committee substitute and agreed to the committee report before final passage.

Ending: Backers said the law will expand access to medically necessary devices and associated services; opponents and procedural questioners sought earlier reporting to monitor cost and claims data once coverage expands.