
A Unified Voice for Therapy Services
The Tri Alliance of Pennsylvania is a collaborative coalition of the state associations for Speech-Language Pathology (PSHA), Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. Together, we advocate for policies that protect access to essential therapy services and strengthen the role of rehabilitation across healthcare settings.
About the Tri Alliance
The Tri Alliance was formed to ensure Pennsylvanians receive the rehabilitative and habilitative care they need when they need it. By joining forces, we:
Our Focus: Access · Quality · Equity · Affordability
Advocacy Priorities
Fair Coverage & Insurance Practices
-
Streamlined, clinically-appropriate prior authorization.
-
Transparent and evidence-based medical necessity criteria.
-
Network adequacy standards to ensure timely access.
Value-Based Care
-
Inclusion of rehabilitative and habilitative care in value-based models.
-
Recognition of therapy’s role in reducing hospitalizations and long-term costs.
-
Data-driven outcome measures that reflect real patient progress.
Medicaid Reimbursement
-
Adequate payment rates to sustain and grow provider participation.
-
Equitable access to therapy services for children, adults, and older Pennsylvanians.
-
Support for innovative care models that improve outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries.
Recent Advocacy Work
Insurance Companies
-
Engaged payers on restrictive coverage policies.
-
Pushed for consistency and transparency in prior authorization.
-
Advocated for criteria aligned with licensure and clinical evidence.
- Pushed for higher reimbursement rates.
Value-Based Care
-
Provided input on statewide initiatives and payer pilots.
-
Shared data on therapy outcomes to inform payment reform.
-
Ensured rehabilitative care is recognized as a driver of patient success.
Medicaid Reimbursement
-
Partnered with policymakers to highlight provider sustainability challenges.
-
Advocated for reimbursement updates to reflect true costs of care.
-
Worked to maintain access for vulnerable populations across Pennsylvania.
Why It Matters
Therapy services change lives. They:
-
Help children succeed in school.
-
Support adults recovering from illness or injury.
-
Enable older adults to live safely and independently.
When coverage is restricted or reimbursement is inadequate, patients lose critical opportunities to reach their fullest potential.
Get Involved
The success of the Tri Alliance depends on members like you.
-
PSHA Members: Submit advocacy inquiries here: Advocacy Inquiry
-
Professionals: Join your state association to strengthen our collective voice.
-
Policymakers & Payers: Partner with us to design fair, patient-centered solutions.
Together, we ensure Pennsylvanians have access to the care they deserve.
Resources
Read the Tri Alliance Letter to Lawmakers about Medicaid Reimbursement
Medicaid Reimbursement Limiting Service Provisions
President’s Message on Highmark
PSHA Tri Alliance Members
Nicole Billak, Ed.D., CCC-SLP/LBS, PSHA President
Gretchen Myers, MSLP-CCC, PSHA member, SLP and private practice owner
Emily Aten-Newberry, MS CCC-SLP, PA/L, PSHA member, past chair of the PSHA Private Practice Subcommittee, SLP and private practice owner
Theresa Jacopetti, MS, CCC-SLP, PSHA STAR
Nancy Carlino, PhD, CCC-SLP, PSHA Past President
|