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Bill

SB 69

INS CODE-RIDING THERAPY

104th Regular Session Introduced by Nicolle Grasse and 7 co-sponsors

Illinois mandates health insurance coverage for equine-assisted (riding) therapy starting January 2026, expanding access to alternative treatment for physical and mental health conditions.

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Bill Summary · SB 69

Legislative bill overview

SB 69 amends Illinois insurance code to establish coverage requirements for equine-assisted therapy (riding therapy) services. The bill mandates that health insurance plans include riding therapy as a covered treatment option, likely with specified conditions and provider qualifications. This legislation takes effect January 1, 2026, following gubernatorial approval.

Why is this important

Equine-assisted therapy has research supporting its use for physical rehabilitation, mental health treatment, and developmental disorders, but insurance coverage has been inconsistent and often unavailable. This bill removes financial barriers for Illinois residents seeking this treatment by requiring insurers to cover the service, potentially expanding access to an alternative therapeutic modality that may benefit patients with conditions like PTSD, autism, cerebral palsy, and depression.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Insurance mandates increase premiums for all policyholders; unclear whether riding therapy's clinical benefits justify mandatory coverage versus voluntary options
  • Evidence standards: Questions about what clinical evidence threshold was used to require coverage; some argue equine therapy lacks sufficient peer-reviewed support compared to traditional therapies
  • Provider regulation: The bill's definition of qualified providers and supervision standards may be unclear, potentially creating disputes between insurers and practitioners over coverage eligibility

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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