AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES -- PHYSICAL THERAPY COPAY (Limits copays, coinsurance or office deductibles for services of a physical therapist to the amount authorized for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath on or after January 1, 2027.)

H7429

2026 -- H 7429
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LC004688
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
____________
A N A C T
RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES --
PHYSICAL THERAPY COPAY

Introduced By:
Representatives Bennett, Edwards, McNamara, Casimiro, Kazarian, Hull,
Cortvriend, Shanley, Read, and Slater

Date Introduced:
January 30, 2026

Referred To:
House 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 Insurance
2
Policies" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
3

27-18-96. Physical therapists.

4

(a) An individual or group health insurance plan or policy delivered, issued for delivery, or
5
renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2027, shall not impose a copayment, coinsurance, or
6
office visit deductible amount charged to the insured for services rendered by a physical therapist
7
licensed under § 5-40-7 that is greater than the copayment, coinsurance or office visit deductible
8
amount charged to the insured for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath licensed
9
under chapter 37 of title 5.
10

(b) An insurer shall state clearly the availability of physical therapy coverage under its plan
11
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

27-19-88. Physical therapists.

15

(a) An individual or group health insurance plan or policy delivered, issued for delivery, or
16
renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2027, shall not impose a copayment, coinsurance, or
17
office visit deductible amount charged to the insured for services rendered by a physical therapist
18
licensed under § 5-40-7 that is greater than the copayment, coinsurance or office visit deductible

1
amount charged to the insured for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath licensed
2
under chapter 37 of title 5.
3

(b) An insurer shall state clearly the availability of physical therapy coverage under its plan
4
and all related limitations, conditions, and exclusions.
5
SECTION 3. Chapter 27-20 of the General Laws entitled "Nonprofit Medical Service
6
Corporations" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
7

27-20-84. Physical therapists.

8

(a) An individual or group health insurance plan or policy delivered, issued for delivery, or
9
renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2027, shall not impose a copayment, coinsurance, or
10
office visit deductible amount charged to the insured for services rendered by a physical therapist
11
licensed under § 5-40-7 that is greater than the copayment, coinsurance or office visit deductible
12
amount charged to the insured for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath licensed
13
under chapter 37 of title 5.
14

(b) An insurer shall state clearly the availability of physical therapy coverage under its plan
15
and all related limitations, conditions, and exclusions.
16
SECTION 4. Chapter 27-41 of the General Laws entitled "Health Maintenance
17
Organizations" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
18

27-41-101. Physical therapists.

19

(a) An individual or group health insurance plan or policy delivered, issued for delivery, or
20
renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2027, shall not impose a copayment, coinsurance, or
21
office visit deductible amount charged to the insured for services rendered by a physical therapist
22
licensed under § 5-40-7 that is greater than the copayment, coinsurance or office visit deductible
23
amount charged to the insured for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath licensed
24
under chapter 37 of title 5.
25

(b) An insurer shall state clearly the availability of physical therapy coverage under its plan
26
and all related limitations, conditions, and exclusions.
27
SECTION 5. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC004688
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LC004688 - Page 2 of 3
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES --
PHYSICAL THERAPY COPAY
***
1
This act would limit copays, coinsurance or office deductibles for services of a physical
2
therapist to the amount authorized for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath on or
3
after January 1, 2027.
4
This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC004688
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LC004688 - Page 3 of 3