Montana House Bill HB736

Montana 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/23
• Refer: 2/22/23

Caption

Establish requirements for setting medicaid rates for certain therapy services

Impact

By codifying the reimbursement rates in this manner, HB 736 is expected to provide clearer financial expectations for healthcare providers who offer therapy services under Medicaid. This can potentially lead to improved access to these essential services for patients, as providers might be more willing to participate in Medicaid if they are assured of reasonable reimbursement. The codification of reimbursement practices will also bring therapy services in line with the established standards for physician reimbursement.

Summary

House Bill 736 seeks to establish specific guidelines for calculating Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain therapy services, including those rendered by physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. The bill mandates that the reimbursement rate for these services is set at 95% of the conversion factor used for physicians. This initiative aims to standardize the payment structure within the Medicaid framework to enhance consistency in reimbursement across therapy disciplines.

Contention

While the bill appears to have support for its attempt to offer clarity and stability in the reimbursement process, notable points of contention may arise around the implications of setting reimbursement rates at a standardized percentage of physician rates. Critics could argue that this approach may undermine the perceived value of therapy services in comparison to medical services, potentially leading to inadequately funded therapy provisions. Furthermore, stakeholders may express concerns regarding whether this rate is sufficient to cover the operational costs associated with the provision of therapy services.