Insurance coverage for occupational therapy (including hand therapy): a roadmap

Hand therapy is commonly delivered by occupational therapists (OTs) with additional training in upper extremity rehabilitation — sometimes including Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credentials. Coverage language in benefits booklets often lists “occupational therapy” rather than the phrase “hand therapy.”

Medicare as an example system — not everyone’s plan

Medicare.gov summarizes outpatient rehabilitation therapy benefits at a high level and links to official publications. Medicare rules can change; treat government pages as the source of truth for dates and thresholds.

Commercial insurance

Marketplace and employer plans differ widely. HealthCare.gov provides baseline education on reading plans (deductibles, networks, prior authorization). For a specific procedure or therapy prescription, ask for the insurer’s benefits line and whether OT requires authorization.