Bill Expanding Access to Chiropractic Care Passes General Assembly, Heads to Governor

State Rep. Scott Lipps (R-Franklin) announces the Ohio Senate approved House Bill 136 earlier this week and it now heads to the governor’s desk. Lipps is the primary sponsor of the bill.

The legislation seeks to improve access to chiropractic care for Medicaid patients.

“House Bill 136 will improve access to chiropractic treatment options for Medicaid patients,” said Lipps.  “This expansion is vital as chiropractic treatment is a non-addictive and cost-effective option for many patients who might otherwise turn to opioids.  This bill simply offers an alternative solution to pain management thereby moving Ohio closer to alleviating the opioid crisis.”

The bill expands the Medicaid program’s coverage of chiropractic services to include evaluation and management services provided by a licensed chiropractor. Additionally, it prohibits the Medicaid program from imposing a prior authorization requirement on the covered services or making the coverage contingent upon receiving a referral, prescription, or treatment from another licensed health professional. 

“I would like to thank the House and Senate Health Committees for their steadfast consideration of this bill.  I am anticipating we will see this bipartisan legislation signed into law,” Lipps added.  

The measure is supported by the Ohio State Chiropractic Association and the Northeast Ohio Academy of Chiropractic. 

House Bill 136 previously was passed in the Ohio House back in May 2021 before moving over to the Senate and being passed out of the chamber earlier this week.

The bill now awaits further consideration by the governor.