The New York state Department of Health has reversed a policy on prosthetic limbs that many amputees had found unfair.

The Affordable Care Act had only covered one prosthetic limb, per limb, per life. But many amputee patients struggle to find a prosthetic that works for them, and it's all the more difficult when only one option is covered. And the average prosthetic lasts only about three to five years, depending on how active its wearer is.

Daniel Bastian, of Progressive Orthotics and Prosthetics, fought for the policy to be reversed. An amputee himself who lost his leg to cancer, Bastian made several trips to Albany with petitions in hand and finally got the attention of lawmakers.

The state is now mandating that insurance companies cover multiple replacement limbs. The new rule will take effect in January.