Bill
Bill > H0271
VT H0271
VT H0271An act relating to health insurance and Medicaid coverage for physical therapy services
summary
Introduced
02/19/2025
02/19/2025
In Committee
02/19/2025
02/19/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Session
Bill Summary
This bill proposes to prohibit health insurance plans and Vermont Medicaid from requiring a clinician’s referral or a signed care plan in order to provide coverage of or reimbursement for physical therapy services. The bill would prohibit a health insurance plan from imposing a co-payment or coinsurance requirement on a covered individual for services provided by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant that exceeds the co-payment or coinsurance requirement that would apply if the covered individual received services from a primary care provider for the same or a similar health condition. The bill would also increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for physical therapy services by 10 percent over the course of two years.
AI Summary
This bill aims to improve access to physical therapy services in Vermont by removing barriers to care and increasing reimbursement rates. Specifically, the bill would prohibit health insurance plans and Vermont Medicaid from requiring patients to obtain a clinician's referral or signed care plan before receiving physical therapy coverage. Additionally, the legislation prevents insurance plans from imposing higher co-payments or coinsurance for physical therapy services compared to those for primary care services for similar health conditions. The bill also mandates a 10 percent increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for physical therapy services over two years, which could help improve provider participation and patient access to these essential healthcare services. By reducing administrative hurdles and financial disincentives, the bill seeks to make physical therapy more accessible and affordable for Vermont residents.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
House Committee on Health Care Hearing (00:00:00 2/21/2025 ) (on 02/21/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.271 |
| BillText | https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0271/H-0271%20As%20Introduced.pdf |
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