Which employer groups are offering eastern, alternative, or homeopathic treatment as part of their benefit programs? Ex. Acupuncture
Employer Groups Covering Acupuncture The Society for Human Resource Management 2014 Research Report shows that 36% of employer groups are covering acupuncture. The National Center for Biotechnology (NCBI) performed a regional survey from the states of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and found that less than half of the insurers covered acupuncture treatment. Effectiveness […]
Employer Groups Covering Acupuncture
The Society for Human Resource Management 2014 Research Report shows that 36% of employer groups are covering acupuncture. The National Center for Biotechnology (NCBI) performed a regional survey from the states of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and found that less than half of the insurers covered acupuncture treatment.
Effectiveness of Acupuncture
Acupuncture has successfully been used in the treatment of musculoskeletal problems such as back and neck pain, as well as other conditions such as nausea, migraine headaches, anxiety, and insomnia. Duke University researched over 31 clinical studies and found that acupuncture was more effective than medicines for migraine headaches. The University of Maryland Medical Center found hundreds of clinical studies on the benefits of acupuncture, many of which were conducted in China.
Alternative and Complementary Services Trending Positively
Most employer group plans such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and Aetna include alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and acupressure under alternative or complementary services. Some plans may limit the number of visits or services. If a plan does not cover acupuncture, employers may be able to add it to their current plan as a rider. The best way to know whether alternative treatments are included or can be added is to discuss the coverage with an insurance broker, such as one at Zenefits.
