Texas Passes HB 426 to Expand Access to Head-Shaping Orthoses for Infants

Ottobock and Hanger, Inc. Applaud Legislative Win Supporting Texas Families

AUSTIN, Texas, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ottobock and Hanger, Inc., two global leaders in orthotics and prosthetics headquartered in Austin, are proud to celebrate the recent passage of HB 426, a critical bill that will expand access to cranial remolding orthoses (CROs) for children with Medicaid benefits in Texas. The legislation was signed into law earlier this month and will officially go into effect on September 1, 2025.

CROs are essential for treating conditions such as plagiocephaly and craniosynostosis—head shape deformities that, if left untreated, can lead to long-term developmental complications. Prior to HB 426, many Texas families faced significant financial barriers or delays in care due to lack of consistent coverage and clear eligibility standards.

Ottobock and Hanger, Inc. alongside members of the Texas O&P (orthotics and prosthetics) coalition, were instrumental in advocating for the bill. The two organizations worked together to raise awareness, meet with legislators, and rally community support, including organizing a Capitol Day this past April with patients, clinicians, and advocates across the state.

"For parents across Texas, HB 426 removes unnecessary obstacles and ensures their children can receive the care they need," said Katie Toth, CPO, O&P pediatric expert and Director of Education and Research at Surestep, a Hanger company. "Helping children live life to the fullest is at the core of everything we do in the pediatric O&P field, and this legislation is such an important step towards providing the best outcome for our youngest patients."

"This is a win not just for our field, but for every parent in Texas navigating a scary and uncertain diagnosis," added Russ Lundstrom, Director of Clinical Research and Services at Ottobock. "We're grateful to lawmakers for prioritizing early intervention and for recognizing the life-changing role orthotic care plays in child development."

With HB 426, Texas joins a growing number of states that recognize the importance of setting clinical eligibility criteria for CROs—criteria based on best practices and expert recommendations. The bill will also help reduce disparities in access and improve long-term outcomes for thousands of infants each year.

Ottobock and Hanger, Inc. remain committed to advancing policies that support people with limb loss, limb difference, and other physical challenges—from infancy through adulthood.

About Hanger, Inc.
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Hanger, Inc. is a leading provider of orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) patient care services and products. The company operates as an ecosystem of diversified companies delivering complementary solutions to individuals and providers with O&P needs and is organized in two business segments – Patient Care and Products & Services. Through its Patient Care segment, Hanger provides comprehensive, outcomes-based O&P services to individuals of all ages at more than 925 Hanger Clinic locations nationwide. Through its Products & Services segment, Hanger serves the broader O&P community and skilled nursing facilities through designing and distributing branded and private label O&P devices, products and components, providing consulting services, and offering post-acute rehabilitative solutions. Rooted in clinical research, excellence, and innovation, Hanger is a purpose-driven company focused on empowering human potential. For more information, visit corporate.hanger.com.

About Ottobock
Ottobock has been empowering people with reduced mobility for over 100 years. As a global leader in wearable human bionics, the company develops cutting-edge prosthetics, orthotics, exoskeletons, and mobility solutions that promote independence and quality of life. With more than 9,000 employees and a presence in 135 countries, Ottobock drives innovation through clinical care, research partnerships, and technical expertise—including long-standing support of the Paralympic Games since 1988.

SOURCE Ottobock