Arkansas Limits Therapy Copayments

Senate Bill 277 was signed into law by Gov Mike Beebe on March 14, 2013. As a result, patients now will pay less out of their own pockets when they visit a PT, OT, and/or SLP, resulting in improved access to vital health care. SB 277 specifies that patient copays, coinsurance, and office visit deductibles charged by health benefit plans for services provided by physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists may not be higher than those charged for services provided by primary care physicians. SB 277 will take effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns.