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Federal Advocacy in Action
Learn how AMTA engages federally to advance policies that support the massage therapy profession.
We actively engage with members of Congress, federal agencies, and national coalitions to advance policies that support the massage therapy profession, promote public access to quality care, and strengthen the role of massage in healthcare.
AMTA’s 150% Rule Litigation: Protecting Financial Aid Access for Massage Therapy Students
When the Department of Education proposed eliminating the long-standing “150% Rule,” which for over 30 years provided critical flexibility for massage schools and ensured students could receive the full array of federal financial aid, AMTA took decisive action. We filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education. And thanks to our advocacy and legal action, the rule remains in place for now.
We are currently monitoring and engaging with the Department of Education and the rulemaking process surrounding the 150% Rule to ensure that schools have the flexibility they need to offer all aspiring massage therapists access to the education they want and need.
Annual Coalition Meeting of Voices for Non-Opioid Choices
Each year, AMTA attends the Annual Coalition Meeting of Voices for Non-Opioid Choices (“Voices”) in Washington, D.C., joining more than 100 national partners working to prevent opioid misuse in pain treatment. These important events include physicians, policymakers, and patient representatives discussing the ongoing impact of opioid abuse.
The NOPAIN Act
AMTA was also an active participant in an earlier Voices advocacy effort to help pass the 2022 Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation “NOPAIN” Act. This Act intends to increase patient and provider access to non-opioid approaches for pain management for those enrolled in Medicare, and to help stem the opioid epidemic across the nation. It also includes language which aims to increase awareness that patients need access to complementary and integrative pain therapies such as massage.
Standards of Practice for the Profession
AMTA is taking the lead in developing National Standards of Practice for massage therapy—an important step toward advancing safety, consistency, and quality across our profession.
Once in place, these standards will provide a clear framework for delivering client-centered care that is ethical, informed, and aligned with best practices, no matter where you practice.
Standards of Practice for the Profession
AMTA is taking the lead in developing National Standards of Practice for massage therapy—an important step toward advancing safety, consistency, and quality across our profession.
Once in place, these standards will provide a clear framework for delivering client-centered care that is ethical, informed, and aligned with best practices, no matter where you practice.
AMTA Supports Small Business Owners and Independent Massage Practitioners
AMTA recognizes that small business owners and independent practitioners are the backbone of the massage therapy profession. We advocate for policies that protect their interests, promote fair business practices, and expand access to resources that support growth and long-term sustainability. AMTA is committed to empowering massage therapists to thrive as independent professionals.
AMTA Helps Modernize Federal Terminology for Massage Therapy
AMTA’s input contributed to the NAICS 2022 update, replacing the outdated term “massage parlors” with “massage wellness centers” to better reflect the profession’s legitimacy. This important change helps ensure that federal data, industry categorizations, and economic analyses more accurately represent the current massage therapy profession and its contributions to health and well-being.
Medicare Advantage
AMTA provides education to help licensed massage therapists navigate billing codes, documentation standards, and network participation criteria so they can work confidently and ensure smooth reimbursement. While original Medicare does not cover massage therapy, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer it as part of their expanded wellness or complementary therapy benefits, recognizing the value of massage in managing pain, reducing stress, and supporting overall health.
Because coverage varies by plan—including eligible conditions, session limits, and reimbursement policies—massage therapists should work with their clients to consult their Medicare Advantage provider for specific benefit details, including any referral or pre-authorization requirements.
Stay Connected
Stay tuned for more updates on how AMTA is working with our partners to educate Congress and government agencies on the many benefits of massage therapy and the important role it plays in our healthcare system.
Follow AMTA on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on our advocacy work and discover ways you can support the advancement of the massage therapy profession.