Explore New 3D Printed Prosthetic Insurance Coverage Options

Recent updates to US insurance national coding now recognize 3D printing as an accepted fabrication method for prosthetic devices.

A major policy change has opened new possibilities for people seeking advanced bionic arms through insurance. In September 2025, the organizations that oversee Medicare billing and device classification announced that 3D printing is now an approved way to fabricate custom prosthetic sockets and limbs. What does that mean for you? 

A 3D-printed bionic arm can now qualify for Medicare coverage if it meets the same medical standards and documentation requirements as any other prosthesis. Since Medicare policy often sets the standard that private insurers follow, this marks a milestone for accessibility. You may be asking, “Where do I begin?”

The first step is to book a free consultation with your nearest Open Bionics clinic. Each visit starts with a conversation about your lifestyle, goals, and daily tasks. Bring any prosthetic records or medical notes to your appointment, and think about the activities you want to achieve with a bionic hand. Here are some real examples that our users have shared

“Reduce shoulder overuse on my intact limb.”

“Walk with a cane at physical therapy.”

“Cut my own food.” 

“Hold a soda while driving.” 

“Make a cup of coffee without spilling.” 

“Button my own shirt.” 

“Mixing cocktails at the bar”

“Shake hands.”

“Carry a backpack to school.”

“I talk to patients the way I talk to friends and family,” said Elise Dreiling, certified prosthetist and director of clinical operations at the Open Bionics clinic in Lakewood, Colorado. “I don’t use clinical jargon or medical acronyms. Our initial appointments are in-depth by design so people feel heard, valued, and confident about the next steps.”

During your consultation, your clinician will explain the different bionic options and help determine which configuration best fits your needs. The Hero Arm is great for children and teens to gain independence in everyday tasks like carrying a backpack, eating or riding a bike. The Hero PRO offers speed, precision, and water resistance, great for cooking, cleaning, or typing. The Hero RGD is built for durability, working outdoors, lifting equipment, farming, landscaping, construction, fishing, automotive work, and other demanding environments where strength, grip security, and water resistance are essential. Your clinician can verify your insurance benefits and gather the documentation needed to establish medical necessity for the right bionic hand for you.

“A lot of people assume insurance won’t pay,” said Emily Shannon, certified prosthetist at the Open Bionics clinic in Orlando, Florida. “When we map the request to the plan’s criteria and push through the right channels, coverage becomes possible.”

Your next appointment will be an in-person evaluation, where your clinician will take detailed measurements and create a digital model of your residual limb to ensure a precise fit. “Your evaluation is designed to be straightforward and personal,” Emily said. “We place small sensors on your skin to locate the strongest muscle signals, and you can see a bionic hand open and close in response.”

This collaborative process focuses on comfort, ease of use, and functionality. Every adjustment is made together to achieve the best possible fit.

“After the evaluation, we handle the benefits check, the clinical notes, document the desired outcomes, take photos, and draft the letter to insurance outlining medical necessity,” Emily explained. “Patients don’t have to navigate that alone.”

Emily also helps her patients manage expectations, because although insurance denials can happen, they are not the end of the road.

“Appeals are part of advanced prosthetics,” she added. “With an appeal, we have the chance to reference the plan’s criteria, add data, and advocate. People are often surprised by what an appeal can unlock.”

Elise approaches each insurance denial with an eye for detail. “When we get a denial letter, I start by going line by line through the policy to show how the patient meets each criterion.”

She often finds that insurer policies are outdated. “Most cite research that’s 10 or 15 years old,” Elise said. “This technology didn’t exist back then. With the appeal, I include current, peer-reviewed studies so reviewers can see the difference.”

Her persistence often pays off. “Appeals take work, but they matter. In my experience, roughly half of appealed denials overturn,” she said. “Policy updates in healthcare move slowly, but the more we can bring these gaps to light, the more we can shift expectations for coverage.”

Both clinicians see their role as part advocacy and part education. Their goal is to make advanced prosthetic care accessible to more people, no matter how complex the paperwork becomes. “We’re playing the long game, building trust and finding the right solution for each person,” Emily said. “That starts with listening.”

You don’t have to navigate the insurance process alone. Schedule a free consultation to explore your options and start your journey.