SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5507
As of February 13, 2025
Title: An act relating to providing coverage for massage therapy under medical assistance plans.
Brief Description: Providing coverage for massage therapy under medical assistance plans.
Sponsors: Senators Cleveland, Hasegawa, Saldaña and Valdez.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/14/25.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Health Care Authority to cover massage therapy as a non-pharmacological alternative for treating or managing pain upon referral from a qualified health care provider beginning January 1, 2027.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE
Staff: Julie Tran (786-7283)
Background:

Medicaid is a federal-state partnership with programs established in the federal Social Security Act and implemented at the state level with federal matching funds.  The Health Care Authority (HCA) administers the Medicaid Program for health care for low-income state residents who meet certain eligibility criteria.  Washington's Medicaid Program, known as Apple Health, offers a complete medical benefits package, including prescription drug coverage, to eligible families, children under age 19, low-income adults, certain disabled individuals, and pregnant women.
Summary of Bill:

HCA must provide Medicaid coverage for massage therapy performed by a licensed massage therapist when medically necessary as a non-pharmacological alternative for pain treatment or pain management and with a referral from an authorized provider to order or refer items or service beginning January 1, 2027.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.