With more than 5,000 years of history, acupuncture treatment is rapidly becoming more popular in the United States. Here in New York State, tens of thousands of patients receive acupuncture for a variety of ailments.
When patients first start inquiring about acupuncture, commonly one of the first questions is, “Does my insurance cover it?” A second common question is then, “How do I choose an acupuncturist?”
Both are excellent questions. The first is a concern about cost, and the latter comes from uncertainty about the procedure itself and the skill set of the provider.
In New York state, acupuncture is not included as a mandatory benefit under the Healthcare Affordability Act. This means that plans labeled as under “Obamacare” are not required to include this valuable treatment to those who hold those insurance plans.
Some insurance carriers, however, have seen the value and effectiveness of acupuncture treatment and have included it within their plans’ benefits. Others may offer acupuncture as a “rider” or an optional addition to the plan, typically at a low cost to the patient.
Some may also offer a “wellness program” that contracts with acupuncturists to provide services to those patients at a discounted rate (typically a 20–35 percent reduction).
Regardless of your insurance plan, each should be approached case-by-case because plans vary even within the same companies.
What to Ask
Questions to ask your insurance carrier when choosing a plan or researching your current plan are the following:
• Do you cover acupuncture?
• Who can perform my treatments?
• Is there a deductible? Is there a copayment?
• Is there a limit on how many visits?
• Are there any restrictions on what I can get acupuncture for?
Once you have selected a provider, always request that the provider double-check your benefits to assure the information provided was correct and there won’t be an unexpected expense to you.
Car Accident and Injured Workers Coverage
Those involved in a car accident are fully covered under the current New York state law to receive acupuncture coverage. The only out-of-pocket expense to the patient, other than the annual car insurance premium, is the initial $200 deductible.
Some auto insurance carriers offer reductions in the deductible as a reward for good driving or company loyalty. In New York state, anyone injured on the job is also covered for acupuncture treatment under their workers’ compensation carrier.
Approximately 75 percent of the carriers will reimburse a licensed acupuncturist to perform this treatment. Based on the treatment guidelines provided, the visit numbers vary between 6–12 treatments.
Finding a Licensed Acupuncturist
Consumers should know that there are two types of acupuncturists in New York state.
Under Article 160 of the Education law, licensed acupuncturists (L.Ac.) must complete an approved education of 4,050 hours. The second type of acupuncturist, known as a certified acupuncturist (C.Ac.), is a physician who has successfully completed 300 hours of training in medical acupuncture.
In order to locate a licensed acupuncturist in New York state, the recommended sites are www.ASNY.org and www.NCCAOM.org. Both have search engines that allow you to find qualified licensed acupuncturists based on zip code.
Consumers should stay clear of any other providers offering acupuncture or a something called “dry needling” performed by anyone not holding a New York state acupuncture license or certification. Verification of acupuncture licenses can be found at this link: www.op.nysed.gov/opsearches.htm. Select “Acupuncture” and type the provider’s last name.
Be sure to interview the acupuncturist or give the person a trial period, much as you would any other health care provider. Make sure that the energy exchange is conducive to healing and that the acupuncturist’s knowledge, experience, and skill level meet your expectations.
Lastly, get ready for one of the best choices you’ve made to start helping you to the road of health and wellness and to being the best you.
James M. Shinol, L.Ac., LMT, is a licensed acupuncturist and massage therapist who graduated from Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder, Colo. He is the president of the Acupuncture Society of New York, professor at New York College of Health Professions, and owner of Think Acupuncture, with offices in Suffolk, N.Y. www.ThinkAcupuncture.com.
