Voices: If Utah truly values independence and its workforce, it must ensure access to physical therapy

Just last month, a patient of mine stopped coming in for care because the drive from her rural town cost more in gas than her copay. Weeks later, she returned grimacing in pain. Her shoulder had deteriorated to the point she could no longer lift it above her chest.

Early physical therapy could have restored mobility, but the delay made recovery take longer.

Unfortunately, she’s far from alone. At least 63% of Utah adults report delaying or skipping medical care because they can’t afford it. Insurers and policymakers must remove financial and geographic barriers to accessing physical therapy by lowering copays and expanding telehealth. Doing so saves money, preserves mobility and protects the independence of Utahns.

High copays and unreachable deductibles make consistent care out of reach for many low-and middle-income families. Lofty deductibles can exceed $5,000 for many Utah families on high-deductible plans. When a family has to choose between putting food on the table and a $75 copay, the choice is already made.

To further the disparity, many families in rural Utah drive over an hour to find a professional. In my own clinic, I routinely see patients cancel appointments due to long distances and high fees. These delays can turn an easily treatable issue into chronic, long-term pain. Utahns pay the price of these barriers: emotionally, financially and physically.

Research shows why this matters. A 2025 study by the Duke Clinical Research Institute found that when copays were eliminated and physical therapy was easier to access, patients had significantly fewer surgeries, fewer imaging procedures and fewer specialist visits. In other words: Early physical therapy appointments can prevent thousands of dollars in future medical costs.

For Utah, this has direct implications as musculoskeletal surgeries are among the most expensive services covered by Medicaid and Workers Compensation.

In 2025, Utah legislators took the first step towards addressing this pervasive problem. Now, physical therapists are recognized as primary care providers for musculoskeletal conditions. This means that patients no longer need a referral before seeing a physical therapist. This reform was a major step forward on paper. In practice, however, financial and geographic barriers still prevent numerous patients from seeing a physical therapist.

To capitalize on this reform and realize the cost saving components cited by the Duke study, insurers and state policy makers need to remove the remaining financial barriers. Insurers (including state employee plans and Medicaid) should explore reducing or eliminating copays for early physical therapy. Evidence shows that small investments save thousands of dollars in future surgery. Secondly, state lawmakers should expand telehealth physical therapy, especially in rural counties where distance is the biggest barrier. With these two revisions, mobility, which is the foundation of independence and dignity, has a space to thrive.

It’s imperative these changes are made with haste. Nearly 1 in 10 people in our state live with a mobility disability; a number that’s only continuing to grow. The fact is Utah’s population aged 65 and older is one of the fastest-growing demographics and as they age, there’s more significant muscle deterioration.

Sadly, the loss of mobility isn’t limited to health, it also affects other aspects of life like personal independence, employment and family stability. This is especially true in Utah where a large portion of the workforce is concentrated in hands-on industries such as construction, manufacturing and transportation. When workers can no longer walk comfortably or lift objects, they are pushed to retire early or rely more on family. This places them in a state of increased dependence on the goodwill of others.

In a state that values independence and is reliant on a robust hands-on workforce, mobility shouldn’t be such a large issue. Yet, it is.

By ensuring early access to physical therapy, we are not creating dependency. Rather, we are restoring the very self-reliance that Utahns prize and letting people continue to work and contribute to their families and communities.

Mobility is the basis of the autonomy and self-reliance that Utahns value. Our legislature has given us the key; now it’s time for insurers and policymakers to remove the financial and distance lock.

Mobility is not a luxury. It is healthcare. It is independence. And it’s time we treat it as such.

Aahana Sharmacharya is a physical therapy technician and writer focused on healthcare access, patient experience, and community well-being.

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