ELYSBURG - Pauline Shoffler, of Elysburg, knows the benefit of physical therapy, which helped her to recover when she broke her ankle and put her on the mend after she bruised her ribs.
She was so impressed by the facility and the therapists, she soon joined its wellness program, but Shoffler hopes that those who need physical therapy in the future will be able to afford it.
"You try to save as much money as you can, being on a fixed income," Shoffler said. "With the talk of rising co-pays for physical therapy, some might have to make a choice."
Under Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1391, the Fairness in Copayment Act, insurance companies would not be able to charge more than a copayment for a visit to a primary care physician.
"At the time I needed physical therapy, I had a $10 co-pay," Shoffler said. "I wouldn't want it to go any higher."
As part of National Physical Therapy Month, Central Penn Physical Therapy, Elysburg, and its owner, Dr. Mary Lazarski-Stout, hosted a legislative open house at the office, speaking to legislators.
"There are some insurance companies that charge a $40 co-pay for physical therapy and the cost of the service is $47," Stout said.
Stout, on the legislative committee for the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association, used Friday's open house to try to speak to legislators about the bill.
One in attendance was Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107), who talked with several patients about how physical therapy was instrumental in their recovery.
"Physical therapy is a great help to many, but the hurdles that some patients have to go through with their co-pays is a great concern to me," Masser said.
Currently serving on the State House Health Committee, Masser said he would give the bill his support when it came before the State House.
State Sen. John Gordner, who is a co-sponsor of the bill, was also scheduled to attend, but had to cancel due to a scheduling conflict.
The bill received came under first consideration before the full Senate on Oct. 17.
Attendees at the open house also met with representatives of several programs in conjunction with the Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging.