Medicare does not cover acupuncture. But the good news is many large private insurers do cover it.
Typically, there are restrictions: Many plans only cover acupuncture while other plans only cover treatments from a licensed acupuncturist. Rest assured, our staff at AHS are licensed and certified with the credentials and experience required by most insurance companies in order to cover your treatment. It is also smart to check prior to treatment so that you understand the number of visits and types of acupuncture covered by your insurer.
Some plans will also cover acupuncture for certain indications, such as various forms of pain, nausea, and migraine headaches. There is scientific evidence that acupuncture may help with these conditions. Again, many plans specify that a licensed doctor must perform the acupuncture treatment.
The bottom line is you need to contact your insurer to learn if your plan covers acupuncture and what the restrictions are. Be sure to ask about copays, deductibles, and whether you need to use a network provider. Also, make sure you know about any limits on the maximum number of treatments you can have.