S2544

	2018 -- S 2544
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	LC004881
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	STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
	IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
	JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2018
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	A N A C T
	RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PHYSICAL THERAPY COPAY

	Introduced By: Senators Pearson, Lombardo, Picard, Seveney, and Satchell
	Date Introduced: March 01, 2018
	Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services
	It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
1	SECTION 1. Chapter 27-18 of the General Laws entitled "Accident and Sickness
2	Insurance Policies" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
3	27-18-84. Physical therapists.
4	(a) An individual or group health insurance plan or policy delivered, issued for delivery,
5	or renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2019, shall not impose a copayment, coinsurance,
6	or office visit deductible amount charged to the insured for services rendered by a physical
7	therapist licensed under § 5-40-7 that is greater than the copayment, coinsurance or office visit
8	deductible amount charged to the insured for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath
9	licensed under chapters 36 and 37 of title 5.
10	(b) An insurer shall state clearly the availability of physical therapy coverage under its
11	plan and all related limitations, conditions, and exclusions.
12	SECTION 2. Chapter 27-19 of the General Laws entitled "Nonprofit Hospital Service
13	Corporations" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
14	27-19-76. Physical therapists.
15	(a) An individual or group health insurance plan or policy delivered, issued for delivery,
16	or renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2019, shall not impose a copayment, coinsurance,
17	or office visit deductible amount charged to the insured for services rendered by a physical
18	therapist licensed under § 5-40-7 that is greater than the copayment, coinsurance or office visit
19	deductible amount charged to the insured for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath

1	licensed under chapters 36 and 37 of title 5.
2	(b) An insurer shall state clearly the availability of physical therapy coverage under its
3	plan and all related limitations, conditions, and exclusions.
4	SECTION 3. Chapter 27-20 of the General Laws entitled "Nonprofit Medical Service
5	Corporations" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
6	27-20-72. Physical therapists.
7	(a) An individual or group health insurance plan or policy delivered, issued for delivery,
8	or renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2019, shall not impose a copayment, coinsurance,
9	or office visit deductible amount charged to the insured for services rendered by a physical
10	therapist licensed under § 5-40-7 that is greater than the copayment, coinsurance or office visit
11	deductible amount charged to the insured for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath
12	licensed under chapters 36 and 37 of title 5.
13	(b) An insurer shall state clearly the availability of physical therapy coverage under its
14	plan and all related limitations, conditions, and exclusions.
15	SECTION 4. Chapter 27-41 of the General Laws entitled "Health Maintenance
16	Organizations" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
17	27-41-89. Physical therapists.
18	(a) An individual or group health insurance plan or policy delivered, issued for delivery,
19	or renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2019, shall not impose a copayment, coinsurance,
20	or office visit deductible amount charged to the insured for services rendered by a physical
21	therapist licensed under § 5-40-7 that is greater than the copayment, coinsurance or office visit
22	deductible amount charged to the insured for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath
23	licensed under chapters 36 and 37 of title 5.
24	(b) An insurer shall state clearly the availability of physical therapy coverage under its
25	plan and all related limitations, conditions, and exclusions.
26	SECTION 5. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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	LC004881
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	EXPLANATION
	BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
	OF
	A N A C T
	RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PHYSICAL THERAPY COPAY
	***
1	This act would limit copays, coinsurance or office deductible for services of a physical
2	therapist to the amount authorized for medical osteopathic physician office visits.
3	This act would take effect upon passage.
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	LC004881
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	LC004881 - Page 3 of 3