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3/24/2025
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Sen. Ujifusa, Rep. Bennett introduce legislation to cap physical therapy copays
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STATE HOUSE – STATE HOUSE – Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa and Rep. David A. Bennett are sponsoring legislation that would prevent patients from paying more for their physical therapy copay than they would for an office visit to a primary care doctor.
“Virtually every constituent I know has needed physical therapy or told me they had a close friend or family member that needed it,” said Senator Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11 Portsmouth, Bristol). “It is medically necessary care that should not be blocked by high costs imposed by health insurance corporations.”
Representative Bennett (D-Dist. 20, Warwick, Cranston), a registered nurse, sees firsthand the outcome of high copays for physical therapy.
“I’ve seen patients who need physical therapy stop going because they can’t afford it,” said Representative Bennett. “Then they reinjure and are right back where they started, costing everyone time and resources. This bill will help.”
Copays for physical therapy average $30 per visit and can go as high as $75. Higher copays for physical therapy can hit patients especially hard because treatment usually involves many visits in quick succession. A typical plan for full recovery is two visits a week for at least four weeks, the cost of which creates a barrier for many Rhode Islanders, especially seniors on fixed incomes.
The bill (2025-S 0051, 2025-5082) prohibits insurance plans from charging higher copays for physical therapy than they charge for primary care physician visits. If passed, Rhode Island will join multiple states seeking to lower physical therapy costs.
When a patient cannot complete a course of physical therapy treatment or declines it altogether because of cost, they suffer worse short- and long-term outcomes, often leading to loss of function and the need for more acute and invasive care that costs the patient more and contributes to an overburdened medical system.
“There is undisputed evidence that PT visits can help avoid prescription painkillers, surgery, hospitalizations and future injuries,” said Senator Ujifusa. “In addition to saving money for the patient, this bill saves money for everyone involved with the patient – from family caregivers to employers to providers. It is a necessary bill that needs to pass.”
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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