Legislators Support Chiropractor Copay Bill
Air Date:02/28/2011
By Kealey Bultena
Senators and Representatives in Pierre agree on legislation that mandates copayments for chiropractic visits be the same as at regular doctor fees.
Right now, some people who use their insurance shell out higher copays when they go to chiropractors than when they have appointments with other doctors. That’s because chiropractors are considered specialists. Democrat Billie Sutton says a bill before lawmakers fixes that discrepancy.
"This bill does not set the copayments. It simply tells us they cannot be greater than the copay for other primary care practitioners. That’s only fair in this instance," Sutton says.
Republican Ried Holien says he is not against chiropractors, but he doesn’t agree with the principle of House Bill 1146.
"Even if it’s a good idea, if it’s well-intentioned, it’s still over-regulation and putting our nose where it doesn’t belong," Holien says.
Senators supported the measure by a vote of 20 to 13. The legislation also won approval in the House. It will become law if Governor Daugaard signs the bill.
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