For those people who have figured out that acupuncture is a valuable medical treatment, the fact that acupuncture services are not covered under most insurance policies here in Wisconsin is frustrating. Acupuncture has proven itself as a valuable and cost effective medical treatment. Currently acupuncture is available to our troops because the military is aware of the value of this medicine.
Acupuncture services are a covered medical procedure in some states. In Wisconsin there is no requirement for health insurance to cover the service. When there is coverage it is often limited by very few authorized treatments or treatment for only limited conditions. Wisconsin does not have insurance parity, which means that when there is insurance coverage, a physician, nurse or physical therapist who has little to no training in acupuncture treatment can bill insurance for the service, while a Nationally Board certified or State certified acupuncturist may not be able to.
There is a chance that this could change. As part of federal changes in health care law, the Department of Health and Human services (HHS) is accepting comments from patients about acupuncture. The HHS is trying to determine whether acupuncture should be included in a part of the law called Essential Health Benefits (EHB). The EHB list of medical services would be a guide for policy as to what medical services are needed, cost effective and valuable to consumers and should be a part of the Affordable Care Act.
The comment period is through Jan. 31 2012. If acupuncture has been a help to you and you want to see it made available to more people, please write a letter. Tell HHS about your experience and ask that acupuncture be included in the EHB. Emails can be sent directly to the HHS through EssentialHealthBenefits@cms.hhs.gov
More information and links to give the same message to congress can be found at http://www.aaaomonline.org
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