Bill > H1295

This bill aims to require health insurers to reimburse licensed athletic trainers (ATs) for certain medical services on an equal basis with other healthcare providers. Specifically, if an AT is working with a physician referral and providing services within their legally authorized scope of practice, the health insurer cannot deny reimbursement for covered services that would otherwise be reimbursed if performed by a different healthcare provider. The bill applies only to health plans that already provide coverage for the specific type of health service or medical condition within an AT's practice. While insurers can still apply standard financial requirements like deductibles, co-payments, and utilization reviews, these cannot be designed in a way that unfairly discriminates against athletic trainers. The legislation defines "health insurance plan" broadly to include individual and group policies, but excludes specific disease or limited benefit plans. The goal is to ensure that licensed athletic trainers can be fairly compensated for their professional medical services and have equal standing with other healthcare providers in the insurance reimbursement process.

Business and Industry

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1295