Join Now
Sign In
Is there any movement to have insurance cover integrative therapies like acupuncture, yoga, massage, supplements, etc.?
Many people, up to 80% of those with cancer are known to be using complementary treatments they integrate with conventional (and toxic) therapies. Will these ever be covered by insurance, is there any move to do that on the horizon?
Diseases:
Diseases:
Answer Summary
2
Expert Answers
CLRC (Organization (Verified) ) - 05 / 08 / 2012
Insurance policies are private contracts between insurance companies and those receiving benefits under that policy, so different health insurance policies are ultimately going to contract in and out of different forms of treatment. As a general rule, you can always look for policies that cover more kinds of integrative therapies if those are important to you and your specific course of treatment.
Outside of shopping around for policies that may have more of the types of services you’re looking for, one way to push for movement in this and any other issue area is to pursue some form of legislative advocacy. For integrative therapies, you can speak to your representatives and tell them that these types of treatments should be covered as “essential health benefits” in all plans.
For information on your elected officials go to:http://www.house.gov (to find your U.S. Representative),http://www.senate.gov (to find your U.S. Senators), andhttp://www.votesmart.org (to find your local elected officials).
Outside of shopping around for policies that may have more of the types of services you’re looking for, one way to push for movement in this and any other issue area is to pursue some form of legislative advocacy. For integrative therapies, you can speak to your representatives and tell them that these types of treatments should be covered as “essential health benefits” in all plans.
For information on your elected officials go to:http://www.house.gov (to find your U.S. Representative),http://www.senate.gov (to find your U.S. Senators), andhttp://www.votesmart.org (to find your local elected officials).
PatientAdvocateFoundation (Organization (Verified) ) - 07 / 26 / 2012
At Patient Advocate Foundation, our experience with integrative and non-traditional therapies is restricted to helping patients with life-threatening diseases who have limited insurance coverage for recommended treatments or insurance does not cover them at all and thus looking for solutions to manage the debt.
However, here are be some interesting things we’ve found on this topic that might help point you in the right direction for a more complete answer.
http://nccam.nih.gov/ The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine would be more aware of any national initiatives or trends with insurance companies and the adoption of these therapies as it relates to healthcare plans.
http://www.abccodes.com/downloads/AlternativeBillingCodesandYoga.pdf This is an older article but I’m guessing the industry hasn’t changed too much in this regard. This article does a nice job listing the Alternative Billing Codes as they relate to health care services given by providers (including acupuncture, massage therapy, holistic medicine, chiropractic etc).
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/25/health/medicare-covers-yoga-heart-disease/index.html
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/providers/clinicalpractice.htm This page lists some medical focus areas where these therapies are gaining traction.
However, here are be some interesting things we’ve found on this topic that might help point you in the right direction for a more complete answer.
http://nccam.nih.gov/ The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine would be more aware of any national initiatives or trends with insurance companies and the adoption of these therapies as it relates to healthcare plans.
http://www.abccodes.com/downloads/AlternativeBillingCodesandYoga.pdf This is an older article but I’m guessing the industry hasn’t changed too much in this regard. This article does a nice job listing the Alternative Billing Codes as they relate to health care services given by providers (including acupuncture, massage therapy, holistic medicine, chiropractic etc).
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/25/health/medicare-covers-yoga-heart-disease/index.html
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/providers/clinicalpractice.htm This page lists some medical focus areas where these therapies are gaining traction.
Similar Questions
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Add Answer
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Share Conversation
To tell people about this conversation, type their email addresses here (separated by commas):
From:
Add a personal note here:
Breast Cancer Updates
Sign up for our
Breast Cancer
updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts.
Ads keep TalkAboutHealth freeadvertisement
Similar Questions
Updates
Sign up for email updates of the latest news, best answers, and featured experts.
Benefits
Custom health, wellness, & medical offers from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities & new programs.
Upcoming Workshops
-
Breast Cancer Oncology
Mon., May 20th
Expert: Katherine Crew, MD -
Melanoma Oncology
Mon., May 20th
Expert: Steven O'Day, MD -
Gastric (Stomach) Cancer Oncology
Tues., May 21st
Expert: Manish Shah, MD -
T-cell Lymphoma
Tues., May 21st
Expert: Francine Foss, MD -
Breast Cancer Oncology
Wed., May 22nd
Expert: Linnea Chap, MD -
Cancer Support and Psychosocial Education
Thurs., May 23rd
Expert: Jeff Kane, MD -
CLL - Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Fri., May 24th
Expert: Jennifer Brown, MD, PhD
SHARE Support
1) Call SHARE at: 866-891-2392
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
3 Quick Ways You Can Help
1) Spread the word! Tell people you think might want some support. Tell medical professionals, health providers, and organizations.
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
View All Newsletters
