Bill > SB0069

This bill amends multiple Illinois state codes to require health insurance policies to cover hippotherapy and therapeutic riding services starting January 1, 2027. Specifically, the bill defines hippotherapy as the use of horse movement by licensed therapists (such as occupational, physical, or speech-language therapists) in conjunction with a professional horse handler to engage sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes. The legislation affects various state entities including the State Employees Group Insurance Program, county and municipal health insurance plans, school district insurance plans, and health maintenance organizations. By adding a new section to the Illinois Insurance Code (Section 356z.80), the bill mandates that group or individual health insurance policies provide coverage for medically necessary services that incorporate equine movement as part of a therapeutic intervention. This change aims to recognize and support the therapeutic benefits of horse-based therapy for individuals with various medical conditions, ensuring that such treatments can be more accessible by requiring insurance coverage.

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https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=69&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104