119th (2025–2027)
S. 2329
This bill protects Medicare beneficiaries who need artificial limbs, braces, and other orthotic and prosthetic devices by strengthening patient safety and care standards. Specifically, it prohibits Medicare from paying for orthotics and prosthetics that are "drop-shipped" directly to patients without proper training from a qualified practitioner, ensuring patients receive proper fitting and education on how to use their devices. The bill also expands which healthcare providers—including physical therapists, occupational therapists, orthotists, and prosthetists—can supply these devices without going through competitive bidding processes, giving patients more access to qualified practitioners. Additionally, it guarantees Medicare coverage for replacement custom-fitted and custom-fabricated orthotics when medically necessary. The Department of Health and Human Services must issue final regulations within one year to implement these changes. Overall, the legislation aims to improve care quality and reduce fraud while protecting vulnerable patients with limb loss and other orthopedic conditions.