Pennsylvania Lawmakers Unite to Expand Access to Life-Changing Prosthetic and Orthotic Care

Harrisburg, PA, June 2, 2026 - State Senator Tina Tartaglione (D-2, Philadelphia) joined fellow lawmakers and advocates at the Pennsylvania Capitol to announce the introduction of the "So Every Body Can Move" Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding access to medically necessary prosthetic and orthotic care for Pennsylvanians living with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairments.

The legislation has been introduced as Senate Bill 1360 alongside Senator Frank Farry and Senator Judy Ward in the Senate, and Representatives Bridget Kosierowski, Tarik Khan, Valerie Gaydos, and Kyle Donahue are taking lead in the House.

More than 276,000 Pennsylvanians live with limb loss or limb difference, yet many continue to face barriers accessing prosthetic and orthotic devices deemed medically necessary by their physicians. The legislation seeks to ensure individuals can obtain devices needed not only for work and daily living, but also for exercise, recreation, bathing, and overall quality of life.

"Movement is medicine, and everybody deserves the chance to move and live with dignity," Senator Tartaglione said. "As someone who uses a wheelchair, I know firsthand how important mobility and accessibility are to every aspect of daily life. Too many Pennsylvanians are being denied devices that could completely change their future simply because insurance companies decide they are not 'necessary enough.' If a doctor determines a device is medically necessary, then it should be covered."

The So Every Body Can Move Act would:

• Require coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices needed for physical activity and daily living when prescribed by a physician.
• Ensure coverage for additional devices necessary for bathing and showering to promote safety and hygiene.
• Establish reimbursement standards comparable to Medicare rates.
• Prohibit discriminatory coverage denials for individuals with disabilities.
• Prohibit restrictive cost-sharing standards for prosthetic and orthotic devices relative to inpatient physician and surgical services.
• Require the insurers maintains access to in-network providers.

Advocates noted that access to proper prosthetic and orthotic care improves health outcomes, increases independence, supports workforce participation, and can reduce long-term healthcare costs associated with inactivity and secondary medical complications.

The legislation would align Pennsylvania with 12 other states that have already enacted similar laws.

"I'm proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan legislation to allow Pennsylvanians with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairments have access to the orthotic and prosthetic devices they need," said Senator Farry. "Access to physical activity is vital to a person's overall health and well-being, and these devices play a critical role in restoring function, to promoting independence, and helping individuals live active, healthy lives."

"The So Every Body Can Move Act will provide Pennsylvanians living with mobility impairments the opportunity to access the proper orthotic or prosthetic devices necessary to fully participate in everyday life," said Ward. "This legislation guarantees coverage for orthotic and prosthetic services and devices so individuals with limb loss or mobility challenges can return to work, take part in physical activities and accomplish the simple daily tasks many of us take for granted."

"Access to orthotic and prosthetic care is essential for Pennsylvanians with limb loss and mobility impairments to live safely, independently, and actively," said Rep. Kosierowski. "The So Every Body Can Move Act will help ensure patients can access the medically necessary devices they need to work, participate in their communities, and live with dignity. We applaud Senators Tartaglione, Ward, and Farry for advancing this important legislation."

During the press conference, advocates and families shared personal stories highlighting how access to proper prosthetic and orthotic devices transformed their ability to work, participate in sports, attend school, care for loved ones, and regain independence.

Jarrod Clark spoke on behalf of his ten-year-old son, John. "One of the things we've learned through John's journey is that one prosthetic cannot do everything," said Jarrod. "A walking leg is designed for everyday movement. A running blade is designed for sports and physical activity. A swim leg is designed for water and wet environments. Each one serves a different purpose, and each one creates different opportunities," he continued. "Without the right prosthetic, a child may watch from the sidelines instead of participating alongside their friends."

Anna Zimmerman spoke on behalf of her son, Joseph. "When Joseph received his running blade, it completely changed his life," said Anna. "For the first time, he could run, jump, play on the beach, participate in gym class, and keep up with his siblings and friends without fear of damaging his walking leg," she continued. "I will never forget the joy on his face when he realized he could move freely and simply be an active child. Every child deserves that opportunity, and families should not have to rely on nonprofits or charity to access something so life changing."

Brittany Blythe discussed her unique perspective as both an amputee and mental health professional. "As both an amputee and a mental health professional, I know movement is directly tied to emotional wellbeing," she said. When mobility decreases, isolation increases, and when isolation increases, mental health declines. For amputees, movement is not recreation; it is rehabilitation, pain management, mental health care, and independence."

Brittany applied for a running prosthesis through insurance, and it was denied as "nonessential". "The ability to exercise, manage chronic pain, and protect my mental health was dismissed," said Brittany. "I should not have to rely on charity for medically meaningful movement. Access to mobility should be based on medical need and equity, not luck, funding availability, or an insurance company deciding whether someone deserves the ability to move safely and live fully."

Supporters are urging lawmakers from both parties to join the effort and help ensure Pennsylvanians with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairments have equitable access to the prosthetic and orthotic care they need to live independently, stay healthy, and fully participate in everyday life.

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