Insurance & Payment Options
Phoenix & Chandler, AZ
We're often asked about insurance coverage for acupuncture, and the answer is never a simple "yes" or "no." Below is an overview of how coverage typically works, plus specific programs we regularly help patients navigate — Workers' Comp, Medicare, VA benefits, FSA/HSA, and personal injury cases. If you don't see your situation covered, just call us — we're happy to check your specific plan.
General Insurance Coverage
Acupuncture coverage is specific to your plan. If you have insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, or Aetna, there's a good chance acupuncture is covered.
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If you're not sure of your coverage, we're happy to check for you. All we need is your provider name, member ID, and date of birth.
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If your plan covers acupuncture, your out-of-pocket cost will usually fall into one of two scenarios:
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A designated copay, typically between $20–$40
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An amount applied to your deductible
How Blue Cross Covers Acupuncture
Some Blue Cross plans cover acupuncture when it's medically necessary and prescribed by your doctor, including for:
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Chronic pain lasting at least six months that didn't respond to more conservative treatment (drugs or physical therapy)
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Nausea due to surgery or chemotherapy
Intel Employees — Blue Cross Arizona Care Network (ACN)
Intel employees have strong insurance coverage for complementary medicine, including massage therapy and acupuncture, through the Blue Cross Arizona Care Network.
Workers' Compensation
Acupuncture is covered under Arizona Workers' Compensation. An initial course of acupuncture may be authorized if medically necessary. Contact us or call 480-840-7356 if you need help obtaining prior authorization from your Workers' Comp insurance adjuster and your primary treating physician.
Medicare & Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain
On January 21, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final decision that Medicare now covers acupuncture for patients with chronic low back pain (cLBP).
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What types of low back pain are covered?
Medicare covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain that:
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Has lasted 12 weeks or longer
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Is nonspecific, with no identifiable systemic cause (not associated with metastatic, inflammatory, infectious, etc. disease)
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Is not associated with surgery
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Is not associated with pregnancy
How many sessions are covered, and for how long?
Up to 12 visits in 90 days are covered. If the patient shows improvement, an additional 8 sessions may be approved. No more than 20 acupuncture treatments may be administered per year, and treatment must be discontinued if the patient isn't improving or is regressing.
VA / Veteran's Choice Program
The VA now covers acupuncture — ask your VA doctor for an acupuncture consult.
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The Veteran's Choice Program is open to all veterans dealing with chronic pain. Most patients are eligible for up to 48 visits per year, allowing for weekly acupuncture visits. The VA covers all costs, and veterans can schedule appointments directly with the Choice program.
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To enroll, veterans need to contact their VA physician and request enrollment. No veteran will be denied access to this care.
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If you, a friend, or a veteran family member are interested in this program, contact our office and we'll help you get started.
Flex Spending & Health Savings Accounts
Flexible spending and health savings accounts may be used to pay for acupuncture and all other medical services, as well as nutritional supplements (Chinese herbs) prescribed by this clinic. We provide statements with medical diagnosis and treatment codes as needed for tax records and reimbursements.
Personal Injury & Auto Accident Claims
If you were involved in a car accident, you may be a candidate for a personal injury claim. We have experience working with these cases and can help connect you with an attorney if you don't already have one.
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For acupuncture treatment in these cases, you and your attorney sign our physician's lien document, after which we can begin treatment. This is a courtesy we extend to patients so you don't have to pay upfront — payment is deferred until your case settles, paid from the proceeds of the disbursement.
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Contact our office for more information.
