Whether you accept it, avoid it or live somewhere in between, insurance coverage has become a defining issue for our profession. Patients increasingly expect to use their benefits, practitioners want to be compensated fairly for their time and expertise, and the system itself remains – at best – fragmented. The encouraging news is that coverage has expanded in meaningful ways. The challenging news is that reimbursement, across the board, remains inadequate.
Two More Co-Sponsors for HR 818; Total Now 35
Acupuncture Today has learned that an additional two members of Congress have signed on to become co-sponsors of HR 818, the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act of 2005, introduced by Rep. Maurice Hinchey of New York. The new co-sponsors are:
- Rush D. Holt (D-NJ, 12th district)
- James P. Moran (D-VA, 8th district)
At present, 35 members of Congress from 17 states and the territory of Guam have signed up as co-sponsors of HR 818. The purpose of the bill is to amend Social Security Act to provide for coverage of qualified acupuncturist services under part B of the Medicare program, and to amend title 5 of the United States Code to provide for coverage of such services under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
For more information on HR 818, visit http://thomas.loc.gov and enter "HR 818" in the "Search Bill Text" field.