A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning insurance.
Summary
HB 1016 would allow certain health insurance policies and health maintenance organization (HMO) contracts that require a member to choose a primary care provider to instead let the member select a participating physical therapist or occupational therapist for the purpose of receiving physical therapy or occupational therapy services. The bill applies to policies and contracts issued, delivered, amended, or renewed after June 30, 2026.
The bill also requires insurers and HMOs to clearly disclose these provider-selection options in policy or contract materials. It prohibits charging a higher premium, copayment, or other added expense because a member chose a physical therapist or occupational therapist under the bill. The measure expressly states that it does not expand the scope of practice for either profession; physical therapists and occupational therapists would remain limited to practicing within existing Indiana licensing laws.
Impact
HB 1016 would amend Indiana insurance law by adding new provisions to the accident and sickness insurance code and the HMO code. It would affect insurers, HMOs, insured individuals, and enrollees by expanding the list of participating providers that may serve as a selected primary care provider for coverage purposes, while preserving existing scope-of-practice limits under the state’s professional licensing statutes for physical therapists and occupational therapists.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes in the provided materials, the bill appears to be framed as a consumer-choice and access-to-care measure rather than a controversial overhaul. Its structure suggests a generally supportive policy intent: giving members more flexibility in choosing a provider while preventing added cost. No formal opposition or recorded sentiment is available in the supplied context.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is whether allowing physical therapists and occupational therapists to function as selectable primary care providers could blur traditional primary-care roles or affect insurer network administration. The bill addresses that concern directly by stating it does not authorize either profession to practice outside its existing scope. Another possible issue is how insurers and HMOs would implement the new disclosure and coverage rules, but no specific objections, amendments, or vote-based disputes are included in the provided record.