Oregon lawmakers expand insurance coverage for prosthetics and athletic devices with SB 699

The House passed Senate Bill 699 on third reading, a measure that expands health‑plan coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices, including devices intended for athletic activity, replacement and repair. Representative Pham carried the bill on the floor and urged an affirmative vote.

Representative Pham described personal experience with prosthetic fitting work overseas and said the bill “will require coverage of acquisition, replacement and repair of athletic devices, as well as those already required and covered for daily living so that everybody can run, bike, swim and exercise.” Pham added, “Movement is medicine.”

Representative Sharf and other supporters shared testimony from constituents. Sharf recounted the story of Sarah Hollinsworth, an adaptive athlete and fitness professional who required bilateral below‑knee prostheses after a life‑threatening illness and who described difficulty obtaining coverage for activity‑focused prosthetics. Supporters said the bill aligns Oregon with other states that have adopted similar provisions to expand access.

Floor supporters noted limited fiscal impact on the state at the time of the hearing and said the bill had unanimous committee support. The clerk declared SB 699 passed after the roll was opened.