Equine Therapy in Health: Law that makes coverage of this therapeutic modality mandatory in health plans

The law regulates equine therapy as a method of rehabilitating people and says thatHealth plans will no longer be able to deny the practice as a form of therapeutic treatment. The therapeutic method is recognized by the Federal Council of Medicine,and has gained prominence in recent decades for its impressive benefits.

A Law No. 13,830/2019, regulates hippotherapy as a method of rehabilitation for people with disabilities - Photo Reproduction/Freepik

Equine therapy, a therapeutic approach that uses horses as a rehabilitation and health promotion tool that has proven benefits for rehabilitation even in the most severe cases, recognized by the Federal Council of Medicine,has gained prominence in recent decades for its impressive benefits. Proven effective in treating a range of physical and mental conditions and taking a significant step towards accessibility in the healthcare system.

However, access to this therapy is still limited for many due to its cost. However, inNovember 10, 2023,a Lei Nº 13,830/2019, was approved, regulating hippotherapy as a method of rehabilitation for people with disabilities and making coverage of equine therapy mandatory in health plans, which could revolutionize access to this innovative form of treatment.

The Importance of Equine Therapy in Health

Equine therapy is an animal-assisted therapy that is based on the interaction between patients and horses. During sessions, the horse's movements are used to stimulate the patients' neuromuscular and sensory systems. This can result in significant improvements in several areas such as motor coordination, muscle strength, balance, confidence and emotional well-being.

Research has shown that hippotherapy is particularly effective in treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as people with cerebral palsy, learning disorders, Down syndrome, physical and emotional trauma, among others. Interaction with the horse and the stimuli provided by the animal's movement can have profound therapeutic effects, promoting physical and emotional development.

Barriers to Access to Equine Therapy

Despite the clear benefits of equine therapy, access to this form of treatment has been limited for many individuals and families due to the high cost of the sessions. This financial barrier has prevented many patients from benefiting from this valuable treatment. Another barrier is the refusal of health plans in the country. One of the most common reasons given by healthcare providers for not offering equine therapy is the lack of inclusion on the list of the National Supplementary Health Agency (ANS).

However, this argument does not hold up in the face of evidence that highlights the crucial need for equine therapy for the health and full development of people with disabilities. In this context, the prevailing jurisprudence, largely based on the positions of the Third Panel of the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), establishes that the ANS list is merely exemplary, that is, it does not exclude other procedures or treatments, even if they are not explicitly provided for in the list.

The Mandatory Coverage Law in Health Plans

To solve this problem, last year aApproved legislation came into force obliging health plan operators to offer therapeutic equine therapy treatments to clients with disabilities, “When there is a medical indication and coverage cannot be refused”. This means that patients who have health insurance now have the right to receive equine therapy treatment with costs covered, as long as it is recommended by a doctor and is within medical indications.

This law is an important step in the democratization of access to equine therapy. She recognizes the importance of this therapy in promoting the health and rehabilitation of patients with various medical conditions and disorders, ensuring that more people have the opportunity to benefit from it.

Recent legislation stipulates that the interdisciplinary approach to rehabilitation with hippotherapy, covering the areas of health, education and horse riding for the biopsychosocial development of people with disabilities, will be conducted by a multidisciplinary team. This team must be made up of professionals such as doctors, veterinarians, psychologists, physiotherapists and horse riding specialists. Furthermore, pedagogues, speech therapists, occupational therapists and physical education teachers can join the team, as long as they have specific training in the area of ​​equine therapy.

An additional requirement is that all activities carried out by the practitioner must be closely monitored, and the corresponding information must be recorded periodically, systematically and individually in a medical record.

“Equine therapy is recognized by the Federal Council of Medicine as a therapeutic method. And now it is regulated by federal law. Therefore, whenever there is a medical indication, coverage by the health plan will be mandatory”, says lawyer Diana Serpe, specialized in defending people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other disabilities.

Benefits of Coverage in Health Plans

• Expanded Access: Coverage in health plans significantly expands access to equine therapy, allowing more people the opportunity to experience its therapeutic benefits.

• Cost Reduction: For many patients, health plan coverage means a significant reduction in the costs of hippotherapy sessions, making the treatment more affordable.

• Quality of Life Improvements: Those who benefit from equine therapy often report notable improvements in their quality of life, including physical, emotional and social gains.

Conclusion

The law that makes equine therapy coverage mandatory in health plans is an important milestone in the area of ​​health and rehabilitation. It grants the benefits of this animal-assisted therapy and ensures that more people have access to it, regardless of their financial circumstances.If you or a family member has been refused by the health plan to practice equine therapy, seek help from a lawyer specializing in health law to analyze your case and defend your rights.