House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1467 allows insurance policies to cover treatment for injuries by a licensed athletic trainer comparable to that of a doctor’s visit, providing a more affordable option for athletic trainer visits. “This legislation offers Hoosiers more options when looking into medical services,” said Rep. Heaton. “With the large amount of Indiana athletes, specifically student athletes, providing coverage for physical medicine and rehabilitation services by licensed athletic trainers is a strong step forward to keeping Hoosiers healthy.” Current law does not provide health coverage under insurance policies for seeing an athletic trainer regarding an injury. With athletes who visit a trainer on a regular basis and with athletic trainer’s providing expertise in treating athletic injuries, through HEA 1467, athletes are now given coverage for the focused care provided by a trainer. “Having insurance policies extend their reach to cover treatment by a licensed athletic trainer makes treatment for athletic injuries more affordable for athletes and their families,” Rep. Heaton said. “Rather than having the run around from a doctor to a physical therapist to an athletic trainer, athletes are given the option to go directly to their trainer and have insurance cover the care the trainer provides.” This legislation does not require insurance providers to include athletic trainer coverage in their insurance, but if the insurance provider does allow it, reimbursement is given for the care provided. The law will go into effect July 1, 2011. -30- |
