Massage Therapists Calling for PIP Reform Veto
One of the inevitable results of reforming an insurance system is that groups traditionally profiting from the system see their recoveries limited under the new law. This is the case with the Personal Injury Protection reforms passed by the Florida Legislature during the 2012 session.
Before and during the session, policymakers called for reforms that would help keep skyrocketing PIP costs in check. This brought into focus whether various types of post-accident treatments are appropriate for the PIP system. Among these, policymakers sought to curtail use of PIP benefits for massage therapy treatment. This obviously has a financial impact on the massage therapists, who are now uring Governor Scott to veto the PIP reforms.
The Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA) has asked the Governor to veto HB 119 as detrimental to consumers. The association suggests that the lack of consensus for the bill is underscored by the narrow margin by which it passed on the last day of session.
According to the association, the PIP reforms will deprivate patients of the benefits of massage therapy. In addition, the association contends that limiting massage therapy benefits will cause more patients to seek emergency room treatment, which remains covered under the law, and thereby put more pressure on the medical system.
Notiwthstanding the associations views, Governor Scott pushed this session for PIP reform and it is unlikely he will veto the bill.