Insurance companies and what they cover vary from company to company AND from plan to plan. It is always a good idea to check first before making an appointment.
You may be able to use a Flexible Spending Account/FSA or a Health Savings Account/HSA.
Please call the number on the back of your card to verify your benefits. In some cases, benefits administrators may require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) to substantiate the expense.
Acupuncture is not eligible for reimbursement with a limited care flexible spending account (LCFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA)
Be prepared with some Questions when you call:
Some questions you need to ask may seem silly, for example, the question: “is acupuncture covered in my plan?'“should be asked first, then ask: “does that include acupuncture performed by a licensed acupuncturist?”
Prior to the passing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), certain insurance companies only allowed certain providers to be reimbursed for service. So, if your insurance provider answers no to the second question, they may need to get their policy updated. Please let us know and we can send them a copy of the Nondiscriminatory Provision in Section 2706 of the ACA.
Ask what types of conditions they cover. Neck Pain? Back Pain? High Blood Pressure? Ask about ALL your ailments! Does this apply to my deductible? How many visits are covered? Below is a form to help you get through the process.
Nondiscriminatory Provision in Section 2706 of the ACA.
The ACA nondiscrimination provision states: “A group health plan and a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage shall not discriminate with respect to participation under the plan or coverage against any health care provider who is acting within the scope of that provider’s license or certification under applicable State law. This section shall not require that a group health plan or health insurance issuer contract with any health care provider willing to abide by the terms and conditions for participation established by the plan or issuer. Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing a group health plan, a health insurance issuer, or the Secretary from establishing varying reimbursement rates based on quality or performance measures.” So, if your insurance provider answers no to the second question, they may need to get their policy updated. Please let us know and we can send them a copy of the nondiscriminatory provision in Section 2706 of the ACA.
