Representative LaRe Introduces Affordable Occupational and Physical Therapy Legislation

COLUMBUS—State Representative Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Township) today introduced House Bill 547, legislation that will allow occupational and physical therapy to be a more affordable option to treat pain and other medical conditions.

The bill will restrict the cost sharing requirements regarding occupational and physical therapy services. In an effort to address the opioid epidemic that currently plagues Ohio, the goal of the bill is to remove the cost factor in choosing between occupational and physical therapy services or prescription opioids in treating and managing pain.

“The growing opioid epidemic is a serious issue in this state,” said Representative LaRe. “It is my hope that this bill will decrease the amount of individuals who are prescribed opioids. This bill demonstrates that there are other options to managing painful and chronic medical conditions that are affordable and safe and available to all Ohioans.”

Cost sharing is an out-of-pocket expense made by an individual for services provided by an occupational or physical therapist. Typically rendered as therapy that falls into the “specialist” category, the legislation will not allow the cost sharing requirement for these services to be greater than the cost sharing requirement for services provided by an individual’s primary care physician.

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State Representative Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Twp.) is currently serving his first term as state representative. He represents the 77th Ohio House District, which includes most of Fairfield County.

For more information, contact Rep. LaRe’s office at 614-466-8100 or Rep77@ohiohouse.gov.