IL: Health Benefit Covers Orthotic and Prosthetic Users (Jan. 2010)

Governor Pat Quinn has signed a bill into law that will benefit thousands of orthotic and prosthetic users in Illinois covered by private health insurance plans. The law ensures that coverage for orthotic and prosthetic devices is the same as nearly all medical or surgical benefits. In addition, the new law will give more orthotic and prosthetic users access to new, technologically-advanced and well-fitting devices.

The new law pertains to health insurance plans that contain coverage for orthotics or prosthetics (excluding foot orthotics). It amends the Illinois Insurance Code by adding a section requiring those insurance plans to provide coverage that’s on par with “substantially all medical and surgical benefits” covered in that plan. The law pertains to health insurance plans covering orthotics or prosthetics that are issued, renewed or delivered six months after June 1, 2010 (Governor’s Press Release, December 13, 2009; H. 2652, L. 2009, at IL ¶14-4000).