Spokane, WA — Alternative support systems for people with stress, anxiety and movement disorders are currently being considered.
Music therapists in Washington State are not licensed by the state and are not covered by insurance. Lack of insurance coverage is currently causing patent out-of-pocket costs to skyrocket.
Senate Bill 5214 promotes recognition of music therapists as a new health profession.
Carla Carnegie, a local music therapist, says some of her patients are suffering because they have to pay out-of-pocket.
Local music therapist Carla Carnegie wants to pass new legislation to expand access to music therapy in Washington state. She said many patients struggle to pay for music therapy because many insurance policies do not cover it. @kxly4 news pic.twitter.com/CsRHcIrVDl
— Peter W. Choi 최원종 KXLY (@peterwjchoi) February 1, 2023
She believes that passing this bill will help break through the financial barriers to patents that are desperately needed.
Carnegie has assisted patients who are physically or mentally unable to receive talk therapy.
“I am very happy,” said Carnegie.
But she says the lack of insurance coverage is a barrier to getting the access that patients need.
If passed, the bill would recognize music therapy as a new health profession regulated by the Secretary of Health.
“Stuttering was a big problem,” said music therapy patient Dorian Delagrange. “And also voice control, volume control [and] Lung function… also physical movement. ”
Fortunately, Delagrange was able to receive music therapy through funding.
“For me, music therapy wouldn’t have been possible without the fact that Swedish provided it,” says Delagrange.
“It will definitely help,” said Carnegie. “It makes it accessible to everyone… whatever their economic situation. We need it.”
If passed, it will take effect in January 2025.
Of the 76 people who signed up to testify at the hearing last Thursday, two opposed the bill, but did not explain why.
It has not yet been announced when the vote will take place.
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