HEALTH INSURANCE COVERS ACUPUNCTURE

California state law, Senate Bill 2179, effective January 1985, requires health care services plans, nonprofit hospital service plans, and disability to offer acupuncture coverage. It includes every health insurance company, health care service plan, non-profit hospital service plan, and every insurer issuing group disability insurance, which covers hospital, medical, or surgical expenses. Each health policy must be reviewed to determine acupuncture benefits.

On Monday, July 21, Senate Bill 212 was signed into law. SB 212 will definitely include acupuncturists in the definition of "physician" for the purpose of treating injured employees entitled to worker's compensation medical benefits. SB 212 will ensure that patients have the freedom to choose treatment from a healthcare provider that is most appropriate to their needs. Acupuncture has proven to be a safe and effective treatment and a valuable means of getting patients back into the work force.