Fellow Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants, patients, and friends, 

It has been confirmed: Governor Gianforte has vetoed HB 585, the Medicaid reimbursement rate adjustment for rehabilitation providers.

But all hope is not lost--we have one final opportunity, and we need EVERYONE'S support.

We are now eligible for a veto override vote via mail poll.

That means, starting TODAY, we need EVERYONE--PTs, PTAs, family members, friends, and patients--to call their legislators and ask them to vote YES on HB 585.

We've created a sample call and email template that clinics can use to make this easier. These are WORD files that will open: 


Today is the day we stand up and fight--for fair reimbursement, for sustainable practice, and for the future of physical therapy in Montana.

Let's do this--together.

 

Emily Herndon, PT, DPT, CLT

President, APTA Montana



APTA Montana 2025 Legislative Wrap-Up #PTAdvocacy

Montana's 69th Legislative Session

Montana's 69th Legislative Session officially adjourned on April 30th, concluding a dynamic and impactful four months of legislative activity. For APTA Montana, this session was marked by strong advocacy, meaningful progress, and productive collaboration.

We are proud to share that three key bills championed by APTA Montana were passed--each aimed at advancing the profession of physical therapy and improving access to care for Montanans. One additional bill remains in progress, and we continue to advocate for its passage. A full summary of our legislative accomplishments is below.

This session highlighted the power of partnership--between our members, legislative allies, and broader healthcare stakeholders. Your expertise, engagement, and commitment made our advocacy stronger and our voice louder at the Capitol.

Our work was driven by APTA Montana's Legislative Agenda and grounded in our mission to support and advance the physical therapy profession across the state. We're proud of what we accomplished and energized for what lies ahead.

Thank you to all who contributed to this successful session. Together, we are shaping a healthier Montana.

A huge thank you to the many volunteers and advocates whose dedication and testimony are making this success possible! VOLUNTEERS ARE MAKING THIS HAPPEN! Please continue to be willing to help spread the word. Our efforts worked this month, lawmakers tell us they had heard from their voters.  We will need to keep this up as we move forward to ensure success of a bill fully becoming a law.

✅SB 109 Direct Access to PT for the Injured Worker: Read more about what happens next.

✅HB 438 Consolidation of PT, OT, SLP, and ATC Board

✅HB 454 PTA Supervision Bill: New frequency of visits (once every 8 visits or once every 30 days, whichever occurs first, is effective immediately). 

❓ HB 585 Medicaid Reimbursement Bill:  This bill will put reimbursement for PT at 90% of the physician conversion rate (we are currently at 62%) and it will come with an annual consumer price index increase.  

  • see override veto instructions in the section above

Past Notes:

January 2025: 

We are thrilled to share the exciting progress APTA-MT made during the first week of the 2025 legislative session! Your continued support and involvement are essential, and we're grateful for your commitment to helping us drive our efforts forward. PLEASE SEE ITEM #4 BELOW!! 

Here are some key highlights:

Montana State Chamber Business Capital Days

In January, APTA-MT President Emily Herndon and Vice President Sam Schmidt represented us at the Montana State Chamber Business Capital Days. Emily participated in a panel discussing the challenges of running a small business in a rural setting, highlighting how Medicaid affects both her business and employees. Emily and Sam also attended the Lawmakers Reception, connecting with legislators and advocating for the importance of physical therapy. APTA-MT lobbyist Scott Boulanger played a crucial role in facilitating these connections throughout the event.

2025 Hill Day

What an incredible Hill Day! APTA-MT, along with co-hosts OT and SLP associations, had a fantastic turnout, with the Rotunda packed for a lively luncheon and successful legislative meetings. Our members met with legislators to discuss two key bills we're sponsoring and why their support is critical. APTA-MT lobbyist Scott Boulanger called it a "solid 10/10" event, and we're hearing positive feedback from many legislators. We were grateful to see three PTs put in the miles to get to hill day - Stephanie Weyrauch, Jon Carling, and Brent Denisar Green - all who car pooled from Billings early Friday morning to make the event then headed home afterwards. Truly all attendees had to take time away from work and family to make the journey to Helena near or far so thank you all for your dedication and efforts to the PT profession! It was an amazing group of folks showing up to support the APTA-MTs legislative efforts!

A special shoutout to all the UM PT students, led by Bryce Harrington, who represented APTA-MT at Hill Day. Your energy and enthusiasm were contagious!

 

How can you help

Contact Your Elected Officials

 
 
Montana Congressional Delegation
U.S. Representative
Matt Rosendale
Republican

 Washington, DC Office
1037 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3211
 
Contact
U.S. Representative
Ryan Zinke
Republican

 Washington, DC Office
512 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-2601
Phone: (202) 225-5628
 
Contact
U.S. Senator
Steve Daines
Republican

 Washington, DC Office
320 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-9412
Fax: (202) 224-9412
 
Contact
U.S. Senator
Tim Sheehy
Republican

 Washington, DC Office
724 Hart Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-2644
Fax: (202) 224-8594
 
Contact

Empower Our Members: Take Action on Critical Advocacy Campaigns

Share the APTA Patient Action Center with your members to help them take immediate action on critical advocacy campaigns. The Patient Action Center offers prewritten letters and social media posts that are sent directly to congressional representatives and staff. Advocates are encouraged to personalize their messages to make an even greater impact.
 

State and Federal Advocacy Alerts and Updates are sent from APTA and from APTA MT to members.

We invite all non-member PTs and PTAs to join us in these action items.

Advocacy Issues Impacting Our Profession and Patients

 
 Through lobbying, grassroots, and regulatory advocacy, APTA shapes policy on the issues that impact our profession and the patients and clients we serve. These issues include: Medicare Fee Schedule, Telehealth, Education and Workforce Legislation, Eliminating the Direct Supervision Requirement of PTAs under Medicare Part B, Administrative Burden, Direct Access, Essential Health Benefits, Fair Physical Therapy Copays, Health Information Technology, IDEA and ESSA, Locum Tenens in Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Opt-Out, Eliminating the Direct Supervision Requirement of PTAs under Medicare Part B, Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, State Advocacy for Imaging Orders by Physical Therapist, PTs' Ability to Certify for Disability Parking Placards and License Plates, Safe Pain Management Advocacy, Term and Title Protection Advocacy.
To learn about the issues other APTA state chapters are engaged with check out our APTA State Advocacy Map (members only). APTA's State Advocacy Map is a dynamic tool designed to offer a comprehensive overview of each APTA state chapter that reported state legislative initiatives of interest to the PT profession during the 2024 legislative season. Members can seamlessly navigate through the widget map to discern whether a state chapter supports, opposes, or is neutral on a bill. The interactive tool also allows members to view bill text, current bill status, and more, as well as sign-up to receive alerts and updates on specific state bills