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 urge legislators to support this bill to provide essential pain relief options to Medicaid patients.