“Chiropractic treatment is a covered benefit in virtually all traditional insurance policies. In fact, according to some reports, as many as 87% of all insured American workers have coverage for chiropractic services in their health care plans,” affirms the American Chiropractic Association (www.acatoday.org) and “all 50 states have authorized the provision of chiropractic care under state workers' compensation laws.”
Under these chiropractic benefits, massage treatments are now covered since most chiropractors have licensed massage therapists working along side them. Many of these therapists are trained chiropractic assistants (CAs), which allows for the billing of bodywork to the insurance company. Some massage therapy sessions may be treated like a “rehabilitation plan” which will have a set limit on the amount of visits you can receive, while others will allow a generous 35 visits per year.
As more people seek preventative alternatives to health care, massage therapy has become a very popular choice. Massage franchises continue to pop up all over the country offering low cost therapies. However, you might consider visiting a chiropractor's office for an even better rate and quality of service.
It's surprising to discover how many people don't know the types of health benefits they currently hold. “People rarely read the details or fine print of their insurance policies. They just sign up,” admits Anthony, an employee of a popular retail chain. But if you're someone that enjoys a good therapeutic massage, you may want to pull out that ol' policy and take a closer look. Or better yet, call your insurer and ask these important questions:
- Does it offer chiropractic care or coverage for alternative medicine? Massage therapy falls under both these types.
- What are the requirements?
- Does it limit the conditions it will cover?
- Does it only cover what it deems medically necessary?
- Will you need a prescription or referral to get massage treatments? Medical doctors, as well as, chiropractors and physical therapists are qualified to submit to the insurance company, a recommendation of the type of care you need.
- Do you have a deductible? If so, have you reached it yet?
- How many visits are allowed per year?
- Is there a co-pay?
- Can you see a chiropractor out of your network? If so, what does that entail?
There's even a simpler way to find out if your health care policy includes bodywork. Chiropractors are often willing to do the calling for you. Just stop by their office and answer a few questions and let them scan your insurance card. They will generally get back to you within a couple days with all the information you need to begin receiving the wonderful benefits of massage therapy.
“I have been getting massages at my chiropractor's office for over a year now. My job is so stressful that if I go more than a couple weeks without one, my back pain returns,” says Christine, a patient at a chiropractic center where up to seven therapists are on staff daily. Christine's issue is a common one. We live in a fast paced world. Stress has become a natural part of our lives and is all too often at the core of a variety of physical, mental and emotional disorders. Massage therapy is a great way to de-stress, which in turn can alleviate many health issues.
The most common massage modalities approved by insurance companies today are: deep tissue, acupressure, Swedish and therapeutic massage. Your doctor, chiropractor or physical therapist can recommend what is best for your particular situation. If you've been in a car accident, your auto insurance often covers massage therapy as part of your treatment plan.
Medicare pays up to $1840 per year for physical therapy. This must be “medically necessary” and prescribed by a licensed physician or medical provider. Once your doctor has prescribed physical therapy treatment, you can receive massage therapy through your physical therapist, who will either provide the service directly, or refer you to a massage therapist with little or no out-of-pocket cost to you.
Most insurance plans pay for a set number of chiropractic visits per year. These will usually include the initial office visit, primary x-rays, spinal manipulations, massage and physical therapy treatments. Most health care deductibles range between $0-$2000 annually with co-payments averaging from $10-$20 per visit. Bear in mind, this deductible covers all your health care needs throughout the year. And with today's high medical costs, it doesn't take long to meet it.
If you should discover that chiropractic care is not offered in your specific insurance plan, you may be able to purchase a “rider.” A rider is a minor change to the policy's coverage. In this case, a change to include chiropractic and massage services.
It can sometimes be a challenge juggling life's array of responsibilities without falling victim to stress and fatigue. A massage paid through your health care plan could be the solution.
So go dig out that insurance policy and inquire about your benefits. You may just be one of the 87% of insured Americans who can now afford to slip away in the middle of the day for a relaxing massage and still come home to a fridge full of goodies.
Original Public Interest Piece written October 2010