On January 1, 2025, legislation regarding health insurance coverage for prosthetic devices proposed by Colorado House Bill (HB1136) became effective. Governor Jared Polis of Colorado first signed into law House Bill (HB1136) in 2023 – a monumental piece of legislation requiring insurance carriers to provide coverage for prosthetic devices designed for recreational activities. This achievement marks a significant step forward for the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) and its “So Every BODY Can Move” initiative. The initiative aims to address healthcare inequities by advocating for expanded access to orthotic and prosthetic care, ensuring that individuals with limb loss can fully participate in physical activities that enhance both mobility and quality of life.
At Limber Prosthetics & Orthotics, we share AOPA's mission to make prosthetic devices more accessible. We are committed to informing our community about legislative advancements, such as Colorado’s HB1136, that impact the lives of our patients and partners.
The Purpose Behind Colorado House Bill HB1136
Introduced on January 31, 2023, by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, HB1136 seeks to ease the financial burden on individuals who require prosthetic devices for recreational activities. During the bill’s initial hearing, Democratic Representative David Ortiz, a disability rights advocate and the first Colorado lawmaker to use a wheelchair, emphasized the importance of equity, stating:
"We have the technology and the means to allow our kids to access the outdoors and participate in sports equitably alongside their able-bodied counterparts."
Prior to this legislation, insurance coverage was limited to basic prosthetic devices intended for daily use, leaving individuals to bear the costs of specialized prosthetics for activities such as running, cycling, swimming, climbing, and skiing. HB1136 now mandates that health insurance providers cover additional prosthetics if a treating physician deems them necessary for the individual to engage in physical or recreational activities.
The Impact of HB1136
The passage of HB1136 has made a profound difference in the lives of many in Colorado by:
Enhancing Mobility and Independence: Individuals with limb loss now have access to prosthetics that enable them to lead more active and independent lives.
Improving Mental Health: The ability to participate in sports and recreational activities has a significant positive impact on mental well-being, fostering social interaction and improving physical health.
Reducing Financial Strain: The bill alleviates the financial burden on individuals and families who previously had to pay out-of-pocket for expensive recreational prosthetics.
Increasing Opportunities: With access to more advanced prosthetics, individuals can engage in a broader range of activities, from daily tasks to competitive sports, significantly enhancing their quality of life.
Expanding the “So Every BODY Can Move” Initiative
With the passage of HB1136, Colorado officially joins the “So Every BODY Can Move” initiative, a movement led by AOPA and its partners: the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP), the Amputee Coalition, and the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP). Initially focusing on children, the initiative now seeks to expand access to orthotic and prosthetic care for individuals of all ages, with a goal of enacting similar legislation in 28 states by the 2028 Paralympics.
Limber’s Commitment to Accessibility and Innovation
At Limber P&O, we are passionate about improving access to high-quality prosthetic devices, empowering amputees to regain mobility and independence with dignity. Our groundbreaking product, the UniLeg, is the world’s first fully 3D-printed transtibial prosthetic leg. It is dynamic, water-resistant, and 30+% lighter than comparable traditional prostheses.
As an FDA registered prosthetic device manufacturer, Limber partners with P&O clinics to deliver customized, cutting-edge prosthetic solutions for below-knee amputees. We are excited to continue expanding access to transformative prosthetic care across the globe.
To learn more about Limber’s technology, offerings, and our innovative UniLeg, visit our website.