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Athletic trainers back S695/H1295 to gain insurer reimbursement and expand access
Summary
Athletic trainers and a university professor urged support for S695 (and companion H1295), saying reimbursement would improve access to on-site care, reduce emergency visits and support outreach programs in schools and clinics.
Athletic trainers and allied health advocates told the committee that Senate Bill 695 and its companion, House Bill 1295, should be reported favorably to allow insurers to reimburse athletic trainers and thereby expand access to on‑site and outreach services.
Robert Calandrio, a professor of health science at Bridgewater State and past president of the Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts, said athletic trainers deliver prevention, diagnosis and rehabilitation services and are licensed by the Board of Allied Health Professions but are not currently recognized by insurers for reimbursement. He said several peer states reimburse athletic-trainer services and that reimbursement enabled outreach programs that connected hospitals and high schools.
Calandrio described an example in which Morton Hospital’s outreach contracts—where athletic trainers worked partly for the hospital and partly for local high schools—were canceled after budget shortfalls because athletic-trainer services could not be billed. He argued that allowing reimbursement would expand preventive care, reduce unnecessary emergency department visits in sports settings and support job creation.
Speakers asked the committee to favorably report S695/H1295; no committee votes occurred during the hearing.
Ending: Supporters said reimbursement would increase access to preventive and rehabilitative services in schools and clinics and urged the committee to advance the bills.
