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Alaska2026Passed Legislature

HB272

Alaska Law Requiring Insurance Coverage for Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices

Last scannedSep 20, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This law requires health insurance plans in Alaska to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices, including repairs and replacements based on medical need, while also adding these items as optional services under the state's medical assistance program.

What it does

  • Requires insurers to provide coverage for prosthetics and orthotics at a level equal to federal Medicare standards (42 U.S.C. 1395k - 1395m).
  • Mandates that plans cover device materials, parts, repairs, replacements, and instructions on how to use them.
  • Prohibits insurers from denying coverage for limb loss if similar medical interventions are covered for nondisabled people seeking the same physical activity results.
  • Requires insurance networks in Alaska to include at least two providers of prosthetics and orthotics or offer full reimbursement for out-of-network care when medically necessary devices are unavailable in-network.
  • Adds prosthetic and orthotic devices as an optional service that the state may provide through its medical assistance program.

Who it affects

  • Health insurance companies offering plans in Alaska's group or individual markets.
  • People with health insurance who need prosthetic limbs, braces, or other supportive devices.
  • Recipients of Alaska's state medical assistance program if the department chooses to offer these services.

Limits and unknowns

  • The law does not specify an exact effective date for when these rules begin.
  • Insurers may require confirmation from a health care provider before approving repairs or replacements if the device is less than three years old.
  • Medical assistance coverage for these devices remains optional and depends on whether the state department chooses to offer them.

Plain language

Terms to know

Prosthetic device
An artificial body part that replaces a missing limb or organ, such as an arm, leg, or eye.
Orthotic device
A supportive brace or splint used to correct the function of a joint or muscle in the body.

Official record

Sources

Validated
Official bill pageIntroduced textCurrent bill text

Official summary

INSURANCE FOR PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS An Act relating to insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices; relating to medical assistance for prosthetic and orthotic devices; and providing for an effective date.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. (H) COSPONSOR(S): SCHRAGE, FIELDS2125
  2. (H) REFERRED TO FINANCE2052
  3. (H) FN2: INDETERMINATE(DOH)2052
  4. (H) FN1: (CED)2052
  5. (H) AM: PRAX2052
  6. (H) NR: SCHWANKE2052
  7. (H) DP: FIELDS, GRAY, MEARS, MINA2052
  8. (H) HSS RPT CS(HSS) 4DP 1NR 1AM2052
  9. (H) Moved CSHB 272(HSS) Out of Committee -- Delayed to 3:40 PM --Text
  10. (H) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 03:15 PM DAVIS 106Text
  11. (H) Heard & HeldText
  12. (H) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 03:15 PM DAVIS 106Text
  13. (H) HSS, FIN1479
  14. (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS1479