Alternative Therapy, Insurance, and You
Just as green energy is becoming more a new standard than a mere fad, alternative medical treatments are becoming more and more popular, both instead of, and in tandem with, more traditional Western-style medicine. Massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic treatments are just three of the most obvious alternative therapies; others include homeopathic allergy treatment (using drops of specific allergens under the tongue to build immunity). Major grocery store chains like Safeway are not only stocking natural medications (everything from herbal supplements to things like “Throat Coat” tea), but also offering a house-branded line of organic milk, dairy, and vegetables.
While health providers who specialize in Eastern medicine have always been part of our culture, especially in major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Seattle, health insurers are a bit slower to hop aboard the holistic medicine wagon. Nevertheless, a new awareness of the need for healthy living has sparked a change, and even if your insurance doesn’t cover alternative therapy now, chances are good that they will sometime in the future.
Meanwhile, here are some tips for dealing with health insurance plans and alternative treatments.
Some Plans Already Include Coverage
\Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, First Choice, and MediCal are among the mainstream insurance companies that already include coverage for acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, and therapeutic massage, but there are conditions that must be met. Generally, you must be referred by your primary physician, and you will be limited to a certain number of treatments per year (2/month for MediCal patients). Some plans lump all alternative therapy treatments together, others separate them. As well, sometimes acupuncture can only be used for pain management, and not as an alternative therapy for upper respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis, and it may also be required that your acupuncturist be an MD.
Other Options
If your insurance plan does not offer coverage for acupuncture, chiropractic, or other alternative therapies, you may still have options, such as:
- Partial Coverage: Of the mainstream medical insurance companies which do not cover alternative medicine, many offer what they call “partial coverage” or an “affinity program.” Generally this means that you will be provided with a discount card or code that can be used with participating providers to get a discount of 20-30% off the cost of holistic wellness care or services.
- Special Offers: For the uninsured and first timers, shop around for fee structure that suits you. However, it is vital that you find someone who is licensed/certified and is comfortable with.
- Comparison Shop: If you haven’t yet begun your treatment, spend some time calling around to various practitioners to compare pricing. While it’s true that you get what you pay for, it’s also true that some people charge more than others for similar service. Ask friends and co-workers for referrals, as well.
If your insurance plan doesn’t yet cover alternative medicine, consider sending a letter to their offices, and to your corporate benefits officer, if your insurance is part of an employee benefit plan. Ask for such coverage to be added to the plan. Get your co-workers to do the same. Many insurers base their coverage options on perceived demand as much as perceived risk. Creating that demand may not benefit you today, but it will definitely help others in similar positions in the future.
