Current Issues
AROTA monitors policy, reimbursement, legislative, and workforce issues that affect occupational therapy practitioners, students, clients, and communities across Arkansas. Explore current advocacy priorities and ways to stay engaged.
Current Advocacy Priorities
These issues reflect active advocacy efforts and policy conversations that may affect occupational therapy practice, access to care, reimbursement, education, and workforce development.
Medicare Reimbursement: RECOVER Act
AOTA is supporting federal legislation to address longstanding Medicare reimbursement challenges affecting occupational therapy and other outpatient rehabilitation services. The RECOVER Act (H.R. 8386) would repeal the Medicare multiple procedure payment reduction (MPPR), an across-the-board reduction applied to certain outpatient therapy services.
MPPR has been in place since 2013 and is estimated to reduce total therapy payments by approximately 16%. AOTA is advocating for repeal of the MPPR to support fair reimbursement for occupational therapy services and help protect access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.
AOTA is asking occupational therapy practitioners, students, and supporters to contact their Members of Congress and encourage them to support the RECOVER Act.
Learn More Take ActionHigher Federal Loan Limits for OT Students
Occupational therapy students are currently eligible for higher federal loan limits under an interim designation related to ongoing litigation over the federal definition of “professional degree” programs.
Occupational therapy’s CIP code (51.2306) is included on the interim list of professional degree programs. As a result, students enrolled in MSOT and OTD programs are currently eligible for professional-level federal loan limits of up to $50,000 per year and $200,000 in total.
This interim designation provides important support for access to graduate occupational therapy education and the future OT workforce. However, the designation may change as litigation continues, making continued advocacy and monitoring important.
Read AOTA UpdateJoint Proposal on Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission Rule 30
AROTA joined partner rehabilitation organizations in submitting a proposal to address outdated reimbursement rates, administrative barriers, delayed payments, and access concerns within the workers’ compensation system.
- Update and annually adjust reimbursement rates
- Reduce network contracting complexity
- Support timely and transparent payment practices
- Modernize billing and documentation requirements
Arkansas Medicaid Reimbursement for Clinic-Based OT/PT
AROTA supports efforts to expand Medicaid reimbursement for occupational and physical therapy in clinic-based settings. These updates may improve access to timely, community-based care for Arkansans.
AROTA submitted public comment in support of these changes, emphasizing OT’s role in function, independence, and daily participation.
View SummaryHelp Strengthen OT’s Voice
Policymakers need to hear from occupational therapy practitioners, students, educators, clients, and supporters. Your experience helps demonstrate how policy decisions affect access, participation, reimbursement, education, and meaningful occupational therapy services.
Contact Your RepresentativesStay Engaged
Join AROTA, participate in advocacy efforts, and stay connected with current issues affecting occupational therapy in Arkansas.
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