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SB 1490

SB 1490 - Currently, insurers shall issue payments to certain health care providers within 30 days of receipt by the insurer of all documents needed to determine the claim. This act adds athletic trainers to that list of providers. Additionally, this act adds athletic trainers to the list of practitioners covered by provisions of existing law relating to health carrier credentialing procedures. This act is identical to HB 1965 (2026) and HB 469 (2023). TAYLOR MIDDLETON

2026 Regular Session

SB 1490 requires Missouri insurers to pay athletic trainer claims within 30 days and include them in health carrier credentialing procedures.

Second Read and Referred S Emerging Issues and Professional Registration Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 1490

Legislative bill overview

SB 1490 expands Missouri's health insurance payment requirements to include athletic trainers alongside other healthcare providers. The bill requires insurers to process and pay athletic trainer claims within 30 days of receiving all necessary documentation, and includes athletic trainers in health carrier credentialing procedures that currently apply to other practitioners.

Why is this important

Athletic trainers provide injury prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation services—particularly in schools and sports settings—yet have historically been excluded from standardized insurance payment timelines that apply to other healthcare providers. This change could improve cash flow for athletic training practices and ensure more consistent access to their services for patients with insurance coverage.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice concerns: Some medical professionals or insurers may question whether athletic trainers' scope of practice warrants the same payment protections as physicians or licensed therapists, potentially raising coverage and reimbursement rate disputes
  • Insurance cost implications: Standardized 30-day payment requirements could increase administrative costs for insurers, which may be passed to consumers through higher premiums
  • Credentialing standards clarity: The bill doesn't specify what credentialing standards athletic trainers must meet, leaving ambiguity about qualification thresholds compared to other licensed practitioners

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

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