Health Insurance and Alternative Therapies

Like millions of people in the United States, you might be dealing with a health situation that doesn’t seem to respond to traditional medical treatment. This is when many consumers turn towards alternative medical solutions. These are treatments that include the following:

• Chiropractic Care
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Biorhythm therapy
• Homeopathic medicine

Many people suffering from acute and chronic conditions have found these treatments effective and beneficial for their health.

The one dark cloud hanging over them is the cost. Despite the wide acceptance of these therapies by consumers, and the large body of anecdotal evidence that shows people do benefit from them, insurance companies can be reluctant to pay for the treatment.

First Step, Check Your Health Insurance Policy
Many consumers are surprised to learn their medical insurance policy does offer coverage for alternative medicine. Before you pay for anything out-of-pocket, check your policy to see if there is coverage.

If it is covered, more than likely you will have to go to a practitioner who is already in your health network. If you wish to go to somebody who is outside of your network, there’s a chance you may have to pay the fees out of your own pocket. However, many insurance companies have an ombudsman who will listen to your request to have the insurance company pay. You will have to show why the treatment outside of the network is more beneficial than the in-network treatment.

Ask Your Health Insurance Company the Following Questions
You want to be sure you understand how you can access the treatment within your health network.

• Ask your insurance company what alternative therapies they cover. Ask if there are any other services not listed in your policy.
• Do they require your primary doctor to give you a referral to the alternative therapy practitioner?
• Before you visit any practitioner, do you need to obtain pre-authorization or pre-approval from your health insurance company?
• Does the practitioner need to be in network?
• Who pays if you go out of network? Will the insurance company pay a portion of the costs?
• Is there a limit on the amount of money or visits your insurance will cover?
• Is your co-pay the same with the practitioner as it is with your primary care physician?

What To Do If Your Health Insurance Doesn’t Cover The Treatment
If you’re denied coverage by your insurance, contact the practitioner directly and ask them what other patients have done to finance the treatment. Explain to them that your insurance won’t cover it, and don’t be embarrassed. If your insurance company doesn’t cover it, there’s a good chance most other ones also don’t pay. More than likely, the practitioner will have good suggestions about how you can afford to pay for treatment.

Consider Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Saving Accounts
Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts are two ways you can save money for health costs. Both of these plans allow you to save money to pay for treatments that aren’t covered by your medical insurance. This can range for things like extra glasses, massage therapies, or even vitamins.

Contact your insurance professional to learn how you could incorporate one of these savings programs into your finances. In addition to having money to help you pay for alternative therapies, they may help you with tax deductions.

At Flagler Financial, we are experts at health insurance and providing consumers with health insurance plans that cover alternative therapy. If you have any questions about your current health insurance plan, or would like to know if it covers alternative therapies, or about savings plans for health costs, we encourage you to contact us.