ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
Purpose
Prohibits the denial of
reimbursement for services rendered by physical therapists if the insurance
carrier provides benefits for such services.
Background
Current state law prohibits
denial of insurance contract benefits to chiropractors, psychologists, nurses,
optometrists, psychiatrists, drug abuse services and alcoholism services if an
insurance contract provides for or offers reimbursement for any service that is
within the scope of the practitioner or service.
S.B. 1229 includes licensed
physical therapists to the list of practitioners and services that are ensured
reimbursement by insurance carriers. The bill is unclear whether the insured is
required to select a physical therapist who is contracted with his or her
insurance carrier or whether insurance companies are required to offer
reimbursement to unaffiliated therapists.
A fiscal note has been requested
and is forthcoming. Preliminary
analysis from the Department of Administration indicates no cost increase if
the insured is able to select a physical therapist who is a contracted provider
in his or her insurance plan. However,
if the insured is able to select any physical therapist, the State may notice
increased costs in workers' compensation payouts with an estimated range
of $135,000 to $150,000 per year.
Provisions
1. Enables an insured person to select a licensed physical therapist for services that are within the scope of a physical therapist, if the insurance carrier provides for or offers reimbursement for such services.
2. Provides for a general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Staff
February 5, 2002