An act relating to health insurance and Medicaid coverage for physical therapy services

H 271 would change how Vermont health insurance and Medicaid cover physical therapy. It prohibits insurers and Medicaid from requiring a doctor's note or care plan to access physical therapy, and stops insurers from charging higher out-of-pocket costs for physical therapy than for primary care visits for similar conditions. The bill also mandates a 10% increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for physical therapy services over two years. This directly affects Vermont residents needing physical therapy, their insurance providers, and physical therapy clinics by reducing barriers to care and improving provider payments. The bill aims to make physical therapy more accessible and affordable under Vermont's health programs.