Bill > S0051

This bill aims to standardize insurance coverage for physical therapy by requiring health insurance plans in Rhode Island to limit copayments, coinsurance, and office visit deductibles for physical therapists to the same amount charged for primary care physicians or osteopaths, starting January 1, 2026. The bill applies to various types of health insurance providers, including individual and group plans, nonprofit hospital and medical service corporations, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Specifically, insurers must ensure that patients do not pay more out-of-pocket for a physical therapy visit than they would for a visit to a primary care doctor, and they must clearly communicate the availability of physical therapy coverage, including any related limitations or conditions. By mandating this equal treatment, the bill seeks to make physical therapy more accessible and affordable for patients by removing potential financial barriers to receiving these important healthcare services.