Rep. Reives files bill in North Carolina House to improve prosthetic device coverage

A new bill filed by State Rep. Robert T. Reives, II seeks to improve access to prosthetic and orthotic care for individuals with limb loss or difference in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 906 on April 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Reagan’s Law.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill seeks to improve access to prosthetic and orthotic devices and care for individuals with limb loss or difference in North Carolina, ensuring that health benefit plans cover these devices as required by federal law. It mandates that coverage includes necessary materials, instruction, repair or replacement, and custom devices deemed appropriate by a healthcare provider to meet the insured’s daily living or job-related needs. Additionally, it requires coverage for additional devices used in physical activities and overall health enhancement, with replacements allowed irrespective of use or lifespan under specific conditions. Insurers are to report claims data by February 1, 2028, with aggregated data reported to legislative committees by March 1, 2028. The effective date for this section is October 1, 2025, or the next yearly insurance contract anniversary. The bill also repeals state requirements for emergency care coverage duplicative of federal law, following the enactment process.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Grant L. Campbell, MD proposed the most bills (60) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Reives graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1992 with a BA and again in 1995 from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a JD.

Reives, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2014 to represent the state’s 54th House district, replacing previous state representative Deb McManus.