Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Service (CHAMPUS); Prosthetic Devices

This interim final rule implements section 702 of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal Year 1998 (Pub. L. 105-85), which authorizes purchase of prosthetic devices, as determined by the Secretary of Defense, to be necessary because of significant conditions resulting from trauma, congenital anomalies, or disease. The act changes the existing limited provisions for prosthetic devices, expands coverage to include cost sharing of other prostheses, e.g., noses, ears and fingers. This is being issued as an interim final rule in order to comply with the statutory mandate. Public comments, however, are invited and will be considered in connection with possible revisions to this rule.