Health insurance policies are in constant flux, especially when it comes to covering complementary treatments. The following tips will help you keep on top of the ever-evolving changes:
CONTACT your state insurance commissioner’s office. Commissioners regulate insurance companies in your state and will know which ones cover specific alternative treatments. Office staff can also tell you exactly what treatments are mandated by state law.
CHECK periodically to see if your insurer’s coverage of alternative treatments has changed.
CALL your insurer to find out what provider qualifications, such as state licenses, meet your policy’s coverage requirements. Then make certain your favorite practitioner meets them.
If a provider does cover alternative treatments, make sure to read the fine print to ensure the claim is paid. Some companies require that, before treatment, you first receive a referral from your primary care physician.
If your employer’s health plan doesn’t include complementary treatments, request them. Generous health benefits attract and retain good employees. If enough people inquire about benefits, you may be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
