subject: Alternative Medicine And Health Insurance [print this page] As studies continue to turn out regarding some of the many concerns of modern medicine in the United States, more people are turning to alternative medicine to address their medical issues. Whether they are looking for an alternative to traditional medicine or are looking to address the root of the problem rather than treat just the symptoms, health insurance providers are beginning to recognize the benefits of alternative medicine as well.
Since alternative methods are just recently becoming more accepted by modern health care practitioners, health insurance companies still do not offer much coverage for holistic treatments. However, there are some instances in which there are exceptions.
Chiropractic services are becoming increasingly more popular, and as such, coverage is now being offered by some insurers. While coverage is generally less than for a visit to a traditional medical doctor, there are often at least discounts offered now for this type of treatment.
Holistic medicinal treatments are still not covered, perhaps due to the lack of oversight. The Food and Drug Administration considers herbal supplements, vitamins, and minerals to be classified as food (yum!), so they do not require federal approval as do medications. Without this approval, it is literally anyone's guess as to what actually is inside any kind of supplement. While outside certification as to the chemical make-up of these items is certainly desirable, it still does not guarantee that you get what you pay for, making it incredibly unlikely that these will ever be covered by health insurance- unless the FDA gets involved.
Therapeutic massage can work wonders for even those without any medical issues, but are especially beneficial for individuals that suffer from chronic muscle pain, such as Fibromyalgia. While some physicians will refer patients for this treatment in association with physical therapy, it can still be a fight to obtain coverage despite the significant relief provided by a twenty minute massage. Coverage will invariably be denied without a physician's order.
Other types of alternative medicine that are generally categorized together are biofeedback, self-hypnosis, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation. As part of a treatment plan from a licensed therapist, these techniques are generally covered. However, obtaining these treatments from anyone outside of the mental health or medical profession will result in a denial of benefits.
Exercise classes or training, such as Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi gong may be considered by some to be part of a comprehensive alternative medicine plan of treatment, but are not considered to be medically necessary by insurers. Thus, these will need to be paid for out of pocket as would a gym membership or Zumba class.
by: Casey Trillbar
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