Coverage of recreational therapy is determined by regulations governing the site of delivery of the interventions or services. Recreational therapy, as with all allied health professions, adheres to what is known as Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) regulations, rules, and guidelines put forth by that entity, primarily Medicare and Medicaid managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Settings have pre-established regulations which identify services and interventions specific for that particular setting that are covered by the MACs.

(Source: Coverage of Recreational Therapy: Rules and Regulations 3rd Edition, 2016, American Therapeutic Recreation Association)

ATRA's goal is to actively monitor federal regulations affecting the coverage and reimbursement of the recreational therapy profession. To actively respond on ATRA’s behalf to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), fiscal intermediaries, and quality improvement organization and act as a conduit of information to and from the ATRA membership.