Calling all LMTs: Sign in today to support Senate Bill (SB) 5507, Deadline: Friday 2/14/25 7:00am

The Washington State Massage Therapy Association (WSMTA) strongly supports Senate Bill (SB) 5507 and encourages all LMTs to do the same.

What is SB 5507 About?

Washington State Senate Bill 5507 aims to expand Medicaid (Apple Health) to cover medically necessary massage therapy as a non-pharmacological treatment for pain management. This legislation is critical in addressing the opioid crisis, ensuring that low-income patients have access to safe, effective, and evidence-based pain relief. While chiropractic and acupuncture services are now covered by Medicaid, massage therapy—despite its proven benefits—remains an out-of-pocket expense for Medicaid patients, creating a significant barrier to equitable healthcare.

Who Originated the Bill Content for SB 5507?

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Washington Chapter developed the idea for the bill and did the hard work to get it introduced in to the Senate (along with it's companion House Bill (HB) 1093).  WSMTA fully endorses their work on this bill and encourages all Washington LMTs to support it as well.  We are providing AMTA-WA's information about the bill to maintain consistency of message.

Why is This Bill Important?

Massage therapy is widely recognized as a clinically effective treatment for chronic pain, including back pain, osteoarthritis, migraines, fibromyalgia, and post-surgical recovery. Numerous healthcare organizations, including the Veterans Health Administration and Mayo Clinic, support its role in integrative pain management. Research has shown that access to massage therapy can significantly reduce opioid dependency, lower healthcare costs, and improve patient outcomes.

SB 5507 will ensure that, beginning January 1, 2027, Medicaid will cover massage therapy when prescribed by an authorized provider. This bill is a critical step in expanding access to non-pharmacological pain management, reducing reliance on opioids, and improving health equity for Washington’s most vulnerable residents. We ask that you to support this bill to provide essential pain relief options to Medicaid patients.

What Can You Do to Support This Bill?

The bill is having a public hearing on Friday Feb 14, 2025 in the Senate Health & Long-Term Care at 8:00 AM. AMTA-WA has set up people to testify for the bill hearing and they need your support on the bill before Friday at 7am. You can sign up on the bill page to let the Senate Committee and make help make it known that this bill is supported by our profession.

How Do You Show Your Support for SB 5507?

1. I would like my position noted for the legislative record
2. I would like to submit written testimony: We do encourage everyone who feels strongly about providing massage to medicaid clients to tell your story about why this is important to you.

We encourage you to please choose not to testify in person or remotely.  AMTA-WA has organized and coordinated this effort. 

Please support SB 5507 whether you would personally choose to work with Medicaid patients or not.  Help create a pathway for Medicaid patients to receive massage therapy services!  Thank you.

The WSMTA Government Relations team Is dedicated to updating and keeping you informed on issues related to legislation and regulation that impact Washington massage therapists. WSMTA advocates for massage therapy to be a recognized and respected healthcare profession.  We work to protect LMTs' rights, promote fair laws and regulations, and ensure the industry’s growth and integrity.