Rep Mariannette Miller-Meeks Introduces The Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy (“SPORT”) Act  

Published in Government Relations on December 27, 2024

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), who, along with proving to be a champion of DMEPOS related legislation, serves as chair on the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health. Recently she introduced H.R. 9478, The Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy (“SPORT”) Act.  

VA health plans, as well as federal, state, and private plans, have historically and routinely denied access to O&P care for physical activities as "not medically necessary" or as "convenience items." 

This bill would provide coverage under the Department of Veterans Affairs benefit for prosthetic limbs that veterans with limb loss use to participate in sports and other recreational activities. Specifically, this bill would add “adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and other recreational activities” to the statute governing which equipment and aids the Department of Veterans Affairs is allowed to grant vets. 

To those in the O&P community, the language of this bill should sound familiar. The Veterans SPORT Act is very consistent with the goals of the So Every BODY Can Move Campaign, which is a state-based grassroots policy and advocacy initiative with the mission to create equitable and life-changing access to O&P care necessary for physical activity for individuals with disabilities.  

Although the So Every BODY Can Move Campaign is currently a state-focused campaign, the goal is to pursue federal legislation once more states are successful in implementing legislation. At the time of this writing, seven states have enacted legislation with another eight states that have introduced legislation, and groundwork is being laid in an additional 20+ states – well on the way toward the stated goal of 28 states by the 2028 Paralympics.  

Peter Thomas, who serves as General Counsel to both the O&P Alliance and National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP) states, “The bill introduces the concept at the federal level that medical necessity includes coverage of O&P care that meets the real needs of beneficiaries, not just simple ambulation or dexterity. Coverage of activity-specific prostheses and custom orthoses that enable performance of activities to stay healthy, independent, and engaged in community or fitness activities should fit squarely within the medical necessity definition.” 

Nikki Grace, Director of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA) added, “The Veterans SPORT Act is a groundbreaking piece of legislation that addresses a critical gap in the VA’s coverage for our veterans. By recognizing prosthetic limbs for sports and recreational use as medically necessary, this bill ensures that veterans with limb loss can lead active, fulfilling lives. It aligns perfectly with the goals of the So Every BODY Can Move Campaign, advocating for equitable access to O&P care. This act not only supports physical rehabilitation but also enhances the overall well-being and community engagement of our veterans. By addressing the gaps in the current VA guidelines, the SPORT Act empowers veterans to lead active, fulfilling lives, reflecting our nation’s commitment to those who have sacrificed so much.” 

It moves next to the full House Committee on Veterans Affairs and is sure to face some pushback- as is the case with many legislative initiatives affecting the DMEPOS community.  

As always, VGM Government Relations will provide updates as we receive them.