Pennsylvania Senate sends McIlhinney’s copayment protection measure to governor

A bill that would protect consumers against paying multiple copayments for physical therapy, chiropractic and occupational therapy services was approved by the Pennsylvania Senate Tuesday and sent to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

Senate Bill 487, sponsored by Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-10), prohibits health insurance policies from charging a consumer more than one copayment amount per visit. The bill would also prevent policies from depleting more than one visit for services provided on a given date.

“The healthcare landscape has changed dramatically in recent years due to health insurance mandates and other provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act,” McIlhinney said. “This measure will better protect health plan policyholders by preventing insurance companies from shifting an even greater share of the financial burden onto consumers.”

The bill requires the Pennsylvania Department to develop regulations relating to multiple copayments. Companies that violate the law would face penalties prescribed in the Unfair Insurance Practices Act.