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Every month, money comes out of your paycheck—or your bank account—to pay for health insurance.
Then the bills keep coming. Groceries. Utilities. Prescriptions. Copays. Deductibles. Everything seems to cost more.
So before paying completely out of pocket for another service, there’s one question worth asking:
Am I already paying for acupuncture through my health insurance?
You might be.
At Radiant Point Acupuncture, we want getting the care you need to feel a little easier. That’s why we work with major specialty health networks that administer acupuncture benefits for a variety of commercial, Medicare Advantage, federal, and other health plans.
Your Insurance May Include Acupuncture
Many people assume acupuncture is automatically an out-of-pocket wellness service. However, some insurance plans include acupuncture benefits for qualifying conditions and services.
Radiant Point is credentialed with American Specialty Health (ASH), a specialty health network that works with major insurers including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and Health Net.
Depending on your specific plan, acupuncture benefits may be available through:
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Aetna
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Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
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Cigna Healthcare
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Health Net
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Select other commercial, employer-sponsored, Medicare Advantage, federal, and managed-care plans
Coverage varies by plan. Your benefits may include a copay, deductible, referral requirement, visit limit, or restrictions on the conditions acupuncture can be used to treat.
That’s why verifying your individual benefits is important—even if you recognize your insurance company on the list.
UnitedHealthcare Members: You May Have Benefits, Too
Radiant Point is also credentialed with the Optum Health Network, which administers certain acupuncture benefits associated with UnitedHealthcare.
Depending on the plan, eligible members may have acupuncture benefits through commercial or Medicare Advantage coverage.
Some Medicare Advantage plans also offer supplemental routine acupuncture benefits beyond Original Medicare's coverage. UnitedHealthcare, for example, notes that routine acupuncture is available as a supplemental benefit on some of its Medicare Advantage plans.
If you're unsure what your plan includes, don't assume acupuncture isn't covered. Check your benefits first.
Veterans: Your VA Benefits May Help Cover Acupuncture
This is especially important for our Veteran community.
Radiant Point Acupuncture proudly participates in the Optum VA Community Care Network.
Through VA Community Care, eligible Veterans may be referred to community providers when the VA authorizes outside care. Acupuncture is among the services included within Optum's VA Community Care provider network.
If you're a Veteran interested in acupuncture, start by speaking with your VA healthcare team about your symptoms and whether you're eligible for an authorized Community Care referral.
Once authorized, you may be able to receive your acupuncture treatments at Radiant Point through your VA benefits.
You served our country. If you've earned healthcare benefits that can help you access the care you need, we want to help you understand how to use them.
What About Medicare?
Medicare acupuncture coverage can be a little more specific.
Original Medicare Part B currently covers acupuncture specifically for qualifying chronic low back pain. Medicare defines this as pain lasting at least 12 weeks that meets additional eligibility requirements.
Coverage begins with up to 12 treatments within 90 days. If you're showing improvement, Medicare may cover an additional eight sessions, for a maximum of 20 treatments within a 12-month period.
Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional acupuncture benefits depending on the insurer and individual plan.
Because the rules are different depending on the type of Medicare coverage you have, verifying your benefits before treatment is especially important.
What Can Acupuncture Help With?
Insurance may determine what is covered, but your treatment at Radiant Point begins with you.
People seek acupuncture as part of their care for concerns such as:
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Chronic and musculoskeletal pain
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Back and neck discomfort
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Headaches and migraines
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Stress and tension
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Sleep concerns
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Women's health and menopause-related concerns
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General wellness and supportive care
Your treatment plan is personalized based on your health history, concerns, and goals.
Don't Leave Benefits You're Already Paying For Unused
If acupuncture has been something you've wanted to try, don't automatically assume you'll have to pay the full cost yourself.
Let’s find out what benefits you already have.
Call Radiant Point Acupuncture at 803-961-2288 and provide your basic information. Our team can help you begin the process of verifying your acupuncture benefits.
You may be asked to complete your information through our secure patient portal and provide photos of the front and back of your insurance card so your specific coverage can be reviewed.
We also accept HSA and FSA funds for eligible healthcare expenses.
Ambetter Health and CareCredit options are also in progress, so stay tuned as we continue working to make care more accessible.
Your insurance benefits are there to be used. Before assuming acupuncture isn't covered, find out what your plan may already provide.
Insurance coverage, eligibility, visit limits, referrals, copays, deductibles, covered conditions, and other requirements vary by individual plan. Verification of benefits is not a guarantee of payment or coverage.
