State lawmakers have shelved a bill that would require private health insurance companies to cover the cost of prosthetic devices, such as an artificial leg or eye.

Del. Heather R. Mizeur, a Montgomery County Democrat, said she withdrew the bill so that the Maryland Health Care Commission could study the issue. She plans to reintroduce the legislation again next year.

Proponents say that amputees often have to pay thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses for prosthetics or can't afford them because insurers cap benefits or deny coverage.