AUGUSTA (AP) -- Several working Mainers who have artificial limbs turned out at a legislative hearing Monday to ask for support for a bill to bolster insurance coverage for prosthetic devices.

Former Maine Congressman Tom Andrews of Portland was among those speaking in favor of the bill before the Insurance and Financial Services Committee.

Andrews says that in some cases, workers who've paid for years into insurance plans and then needed artificial limbs found out there was no coverage.

The bill Andrews supports would require insurance carriers to provide coverage in most health plans. One of those joining Andrews in support was 39-year-old Steven Loignon of Shapleigh, who works at Pratt and Whitney.

Loignon -- who lost both of his legs in a car crash in 2001 -- says his insurer increased his coverage when he requested it, but not all insurers cover prosthetic care with the amputee in mind.

The Maine Medical Association joined supporters, and no one spoke against the bill Monday morning.

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