Massachusetts · 194th General Court (2025-2026)

H 4549Floor Vote

An Act to improve outcomes for persons with limb loss and limb difference

Source of recordMassachusetts · malegislature.govLast synced Aug 31, 2026

Chamber

House

Progress

Where this bill stands in the legislative process.

Introduced
Passed House
Passed Senate
To Governor
Became Law

Overview

This bill aims to improve healthcare outcomes for individuals with limb loss or limb difference in Massachusetts. It clarifies definitions related to orthotics and prosthetics, expands coverage for specialized prosthetic devices used for physical activities, and ensures nondiscriminatory coverage decisions. The bill also addresses coverage requirements for MassHealth members and establishes standards for provider networks to ensure access to necessary care and devices.

Key provisions

Defines ‘orthosis’ and ‘prosthetic device’ for clarity.
Expands coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices designed for specific physical activities, including those for showering and bathing.
Requires insurers to provide nondiscriminatory coverage for habilitative and rehabilitative benefits, including prosthetics and orthotics.
Ensures access to medically necessary clinical care and prosthetic/orthotic devices from at least two providers in the managed care network.
Provides for out-of-network reimbursement at a mutually agreed-upon rate.
Allows for replacement of prosthetic or orthotic devices without regard to continuous use or useful lifetime, based on a healthcare provider’s determination of necessity.
Establishes prescription requirements for MassHealth members seeking orthotic or prosthetic coverage.
Extends coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices to MassHealth members under similar terms as other durable medical equipment.

Bill text

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Legislative history

10 recorded actions

Sep 29, 2025House

Reported from the committee on Financial Services

Sep 29, 2025House

New draft of H1178

Sep 29, 2025House

Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing

Dec 4, 2025House

Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means

Jul 30, 2026House

Committee recommended ought to pass with an amendment, substituting therefor a bill with the same title, see H5626

Jul 30, 2026House

Referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling with the amendment pending

Jul 31, 2026House

Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting for a second reading with the amendment pending

Jul 31, 2026House

Rules suspended

Jul 31, 2026House

Read second, amended (as recommended by the committee on House Ways and Means)

Jul 31, 2026House

New draft substituted, see H5626

Votes

Recorded roll calls and chamber actions on this bill.

Vote map

House districts

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Nay

Yea

Floor votes and chamber actions

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Recorded roll calls

Geography

Recorded positions across the state.

No public positions recorded for this legislation.

Arguments

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An Act to improve outcomes for persons with limb loss and limb difference

Progress

Overview

Key provisions

Bill text

Sponsors

Primary sponsor

Cosponsors

Legislative history

Votes

Vote map

Floor votes and chamber actions

Recorded roll calls

Geography

Arguments

Arguments in favor

Arguments opposed

Who is affected

Notable changes

Geography

Legislative history

Votes

Vote map

Floor votes and chamber actions

Recorded roll calls