If you have Medicaid and need physical therapy, you are not alone. Millions of people count on Medicaid to get the care they need. Physical therapists can help you recover from injuries, manage pain, and stay independent. But getting the care you need through Medicaid is not always easy. In some states, access may become even harder due to new and proposed Medicaid budget cuts and changes to access implemented by legislators and governors.
Why Physical Therapy Is Important
Physical therapy helps you move better and feel better. It can:
- Reduce pain without relying heavily on medications
- Help you recover after surgery or injury
- Improve strength, balance, and mobility
- Prevent falls, especially in older adults
- Help you stay active and independent at home
For many people on Medicaid, physical therapy is not a “nice to have.” It is essential for daily life and long-term health.
Why It Can Be Hard to Find a Physical Therapist Who Accepts Medicaid
Medicaid plays an important role in helping people get care. But finding a physical therapist who accepts Medicaid can be challenging.
Here’s why:
- Medicaid programs vary by state. Each state makes its own rules and determines coverage for people in that state.
- Not every clinic accepts Medicaid. Some physical therapists cannot participate in all Medicaid plans.
- Plan participation differs. A clinic may accept one Medicaid plan but not another.
- There are fewer options in some areas. Access to care may be limited in rural and medically underserved communities.
- Some clinics may not be accepting new Medicaid patients.
This can feel frustrating — especially when you are in pain or trying to recover.
Why These Challenges Exist
Many physical therapists want to treat people with Medicaid, but clinics face real challenges, such as:
- Cuts to state Medicaid budgets
- Heavy paperwork and administrative rules mandated by the state
- Staffing shortages
- Lower payment rates compared to other insurance plans
Understanding these challenges can help explain why finding care sometimes takes extra effort.
New Concerns: State Budget Cuts and Access to Physical Therapy
Some states have already tried to reduce or eliminate Medicaid coverage for physical therapy for adults. Other states may consider similar changes.
These cuts can lead to:
- Fewer allowed (or covered) physical therapy visits — or no coverage at all for some adults
- Pain and injuries that go untreated and that can lead to further injury
- Increased risks of falls or disability
- Higher healthcare costs later for preventable problems or further injury that may develop due to untreated pain, injury, or movement problems
Cutting access to physical therapy services for adults may save states money in the short term. But it can lead to more serious health problems and higher costs later.
What You Can Do if You’re Looking for a Physical Therapist
Finding care may take some extra effort, but these steps can help:
- Check your Medicaid plan directory.
- Look at your plan's provider directory online
- Or call member services for help finding a nearby provider
- Use the “Find a PT” tool.
- Search the American Physical Therapy Association's directory
- Call clinics to confirm they accept your specific plan.
- Ask your care team.
- Talk to your doctors, care coordinator, or case manager. They may know local clinics that accept your coverage.
- Ask about added support as well, such as transportation, telehealth visits, or help finding a provider.
- Talk to clinic staff directly. Ask these questions:
- Do you accept my Medicaid plan?
- Are you taking new patients?
- How soon can I get an appointment?
- Follow up. If you still cannot find care:
- Contact your health plan again.
- Ask for a care coordinator to help you.
Finding physical therapy with Medicaid can take extra effort. Keep asking questions, keep reaching out, and don’t give up. You deserve care that helps you move, feel better, and stay independent.
Feeling Frustrated?
State leaders who make decisions about Medicaid coverage need to hear how their decisions are impacting people in their communities. You can make a real difference by sharing your story to help decision-makers understand:
- Why physical therapy matters
- How it supports health and independence
- What happens when care is delayed or denied
Speak Up to State Leaders — Your Voice Matters
If physical therapy has helped you, or if you’ve had trouble accessing care through Medicaid, contact your state legislator or governor’s office and share your story, including:
- How PT helped you recover or stay independent
- The challenges you face getting care
- Whether delayed care made your condition worse or led to other problems
- Ask leaders to protect Medicaid funding so you and others who need it can get physical therapy when they need it
Need help locating contact information for your state legislator: Visit Congress.gov, then select your state, and look for a link labeled "Find my legislator" or "Who represents me?" Enter your home address to see the elected officials who represent your area, along with their contact information.
Physical therapists are movement experts who help people reduce pain, move better, and stay active through hands-on care, education, and exercises tailored to their needs. They also work with people to prevent injury and support long-term health and performance. To find a physical therapist in your area, visit Find a PT.
