Insurance Issues

Currently in Massachusetts answering the question of insurance coverage for acupuncture is a complicated matter.  Even if your carrier has not offered coverage in the past, they may have changed because of the growing demand within the community of the insured to do so.  Many health insurance companies offer coverage for acupuncture depending on the particular plan you have.  The simplest way to determine if your plan covers acupuncture, and the extent of that coverage, is to call the information number on your health insurance card.  Be sure to ask about co-payments, and whether the acupuncturist you choose needs to be in network or not, and if not will you need to pay up front and then submit for reimbursement. 

As of June 2009, my status with the following insurance carriers is as follows:

Cigna offers coverage unless your policy excludes acupuncture.  A $20 co-pay is required for every visit.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts does not currently cover acupuncture, but I offer a discount to BCBS policy holders and am listed on the BCBS website.  Harvard Pilgrim offers the Whole Health plan, which covers acupuncture with a co-pay per visit.  Fallon (American Specialty Health) likewise offers coverage through their Choose Healthy program.  I am in the process as of June 1, 2009, of becoming in-network for Aetna and United Health Care.  If you have questions about these carriers, or others, please check with me.  Also, if you would like for me to become in-network for your carrier and I am not already, please contact me and I will look into your particular plan.

What if I'm not covered?

Although I believe I keep my rates reasonable, if you are not covered by your insurance and feel as though you cannot afford regular rates for treatment, I encourage you to contact me to discuss rates to fit your budget.  I have room in my schedule to see a limited number of patients at reduced rates without reduced quality of service.  Those of us in the Chinese Medical community would never want financial considerations to keep a patient away from the good and effective treatment that we offer.