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SF 5018

Number increase of physical therapy visits available to children under medical assistance

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Abeler and 1 co-sponsor

The bill raises the number of medically necessary physical therapy visits covered annually for Minnesota Medical Assistance children, improving access and ongoing care.

Referred to Health and Human Services
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Bill Summary · SF 5018

Bill Summary: SF 5018 (Minnesota, 2025-2026 Session)

Title

Number increase of physical therapy visits available to children under medical assistance

Purpose and Intent

SF 5018 seeks to expand access to physical therapy services for children who are eligible for medical assistance (MA) in Minnesota. The measure aims to raise the cap on the number of physical therapy visits covered by MA for pediatric enrollees, thereby reducing barriers to ongoing rehabilitation and development-related therapy.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Increase in covered physical therapy visits for children: The bill proposes raising the annual or per-condition limit on how many physical therapy visits MA will pay for, enabling more consistent and extended therapy for pediatric patients.
  • Target population: Children enrolled in Minnesota’s Medical Assistance program (MA), with a focus on those who require physical therapy as part of treatment, rehabilitation, or developmental support.
  • Scope of services affected: Physical therapy services that are considered medically necessary and prescribed by a licensed provider. The change affects coverage limits, not the eligibility of services themselves.
  • Payment and administration context: The increase would apply within the existing MA benefit framework and standards for durable medical equipment and therapy services, subject to program rules and medical necessity determinations by approved clinicians.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Children enrolled in Minnesota Medical Assistance who require physical therapy and would exceed current visit limits under the program.
  • Families and caregivers: Likely to experience reduced out-of-pocket costs and fewer disruptions in ongoing therapy due to renewed coverage capacity.
  • Providers: Physical therapists and clinics serving MA patients, who would see an expanded authorized service window for pediatric patients.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and referral: Introduced on April 9, 2026, and referred to the Health and Human Services committee for consideration.
  • Legislative process: As with other bills, it will progress through committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the Minnesota Legislature. If advanced, it may require action from both chambers and the governor.
  • Sponsors:
    • Co-sponsors: Rob Kupec, Jim Abeler
    • The bill’s status indicates support from named legislators, but committee and floor actions will determine final passage.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Access to care: By increasing the permitted number of visits, more children can complete or continue prescribed physical therapy without interruption.
  • Cost implications: The state MA program would assume higher costs associated with additional covered visits; fiscal notes (not provided here) would detail estimated budget impact and long-term savings from improved health outcomes.
  • Quality of care: Ensures that medically necessary therapy is available to children, potentially benefiting motor development, functional outcomes, and overall participation in daily activities.

If you’d like, I can attach a provisional outline of potential fiscal considerations or compare this bill to current MA physical therapy coverage limits in Minnesota.

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

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