Bill > SB0204

This bill amends existing health insurance laws to ensure that individuals can access physical therapy services more easily and affordably. Specifically, it mandates that accident and health insurance policies which require a primary care provider must allow individuals to choose a participating physical therapist for their physical therapy needs, rather than just a doctor. Furthermore, for physical therapy services covered by insurance, the bill prohibits insurance plans from charging higher copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles than what is charged for a visit to a primary care provider, and this provision will apply to health benefit plans renewed or entered into on or after January 1, 2027. The bill also clarifies that this change does not allow physical therapists to practice beyond their established scope of practice.