Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years as a form of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain and promote healing. However, many people wonder if their insurance will cover this alternative form of treatment.
In this blog post, we will explore the question of whether insurance covers acupuncture and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your health care options.
According to a survey study [2], there has been an increase in health insurance coverage for acupuncture in recent years. However, it is still uncommon for health insurance companies to cover this treatment. In New York State, for example, only a few insurance companies cover acupuncture, such as Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield and NYSHIP [3].
If you were involved in a car accident, no-fault insurance can cover acupuncture treatment [3]. Additionally, licensed acupuncturists can become Worker’s Compensation Board certified to treat those with workplace injuries. And, Medicare will soon start covering acupuncture for low back pain.
It is essential to check with your health insurance carrier to see if acupuncture is covered. It is also important to note that some insurance companies cover acupuncture only for certain conditions. Therefore, it is important to be informed about your health care options.
In conclusion, acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for many conditions. Although insurance coverage for acupuncture is still limited, there are some options available. Patients should check with their insurance carrier to see if acupuncture is covered and call for more insurance companies to recognize the potential for savings by covering acupuncture.
References:[1] Chart of the Day: Insurance Coverage for Acupuncture, 2010 ...[2] Trends in Insurance Coverage for Acupuncture, 2010-2019[3] Does Health Insurance Cover Acupuncture?
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