Coverage for Acupuncture and Medical Massage

“It doesn’t hurt if I don’t think about it.”

“I’ll ask my doctor for a stronger medication.”

“I guess there’s nothing else I can do to relieve my back pain.”

Living with pain or discomfort isn’t your only option.

The university now provides health plan coverage for alternative therapy options that can work in tandem with traditional medical care or in place of traditional physical or occupational therapy. People with chronic back problems, for example, have discovered relief through both medical massage and acupuncture.

Important: This coverage is designed to help you and your health care providers find the therapy that works best for you. Be sure to consult the plan’s coverage guidelines and obtain your physician’s authorization before beginning any acupuncture or medical massage therapy treatments.

Ohio State’s coverage changes consist of the following:

• Combined physical, occupational, and massage therapy benefit options.
• Combined chiropractic care and acupuncture benefit options.
• Expanded alternative therapy providers.

Alternative Treatment Options

Effective January 1, 2008

Program	Benefit Plan Coverage	Resources
Physical and occupational therapy	Network plans: $20 copayment Non-network plans: Subject to deductible and applicable coinsurance for office visit	View a complete list of licensed massage therapists . Check the plan guidelines before beginning medical massage therapy. For reimbursement, use the NGS Claim Form. (632kb pdf)
	Physical and occupational therapy outpatient services are limited to a combined maximum total of 45 sessions per plan year. (Prior authorization required after 15 visits.)
Acupuncture, chiropractic and medical massage treatments	Network plans: $20 copayment Non-network plans: Subject to deductible and applicable coinsurance for office visit	View a complete list of approved acupuncture providers . Check the plan guidelines before beginning acupuncture treatment. For reimbursement, use the NGS Claim Form. (632kb pdf)
	Acupuncture, chiropractic, and medical massage treatments have a combined maximum benefit of $2,000 per plan year. (No prior authorization required.) Medical diagnosis and physician prescription required before first acupuncture visit.

Click here to find out who’s eligible for all of the Your Plan for Health programs and benefits. (135kb pdf)

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