North Carolina Law expands support for amputees, inspired by Reagan Perry’s journey
Photo: Rep. John Bell Facebook page
A bipartisan effort to improve healthcare access for amputees has culminated in the passage of the Reagan Perry Law, named for the daughter of former North Carolina Senator Jim Perry. The legislation aims to expand support services and coverage options for North Carolinians living with limb loss.
The bill was introduced by House Majority Leader John Bell, who described the law as a “deeply personal and bipartisan step forward.” It received unanimous support in both legislative chambers.
Reagan Perry underwent a leg amputation in 2024 following health complications and has since become a visible advocate for amputee rights. Her story and determination helped galvanize support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
“Reagan’s courage and advocacy were the inspiration behind this bill,” Bell said during a press conference. “We recognized a gap in our healthcare system when it comes to supporting individuals who experience limb loss. This law is about ensuring those individuals have the resources and care they need.”
The Reagan Perry Law includes provisions for expanding access to prosthetic care, rehabilitation services, and mental health resources. It also seeks to increase awareness and coordination between medical providers and insurance carriers to streamline treatment pathways for amputees.
Perry, who attended several committee hearings during the legislative process, said she was proud to lend her voice to the effort.
"These sport-specific prosthetics cost upwards of $50,000 on average, making them inaccessible to most families," Perry said.
House Bill 906, also known as Reagan’s Law, passed its second and third readings in the House on May 6 by a 110-0 vote. The legislation aims to expand insurance coverage for prosthetic devices, particularly activity-specific prosthetics used for athletics, and would require coverage for medically necessary prosthetic replacements. It has now been referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Operations as of May 7.
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