| Insurance Coverage |
Will your private insurance pay for Dr. Samples' services?
The answer is not really very difficult, but it may be hard to find out. First, insurance or any third
party payer contract is between you (the policy holder/owner) and the issuing company (the third
party payer). So, look on the back of your card, find the customer service number, and call them
and ask: "Does my policy cover acupuncture?" and "What, if any, are the restrictions?"
Why should you ask about your individual policy? Most third party payers have multiple policies
and they do not all have the same benefit package. Your policy number, found on the front of your
card will allow the customer service representative to tell you what your benefit is, your current
deductible, and any limitations or restrictions.
Why should you ask about restrictions? Some policies have a cap on the number of visits per
year. Other policies will pay for acupuncture only if it is used in place of anesthesia in a hospital
setting. Sounds good, except for the fact that NO hospital in West Virginia allows acupuncture to
occur in a hospital setting, so really there is no possible benefit, even though you are paying for
said benefit.
The answer is not really very difficult, but it may be hard to find out. First, insurance or any third
party payer contract is between you (the policy holder/owner) and the issuing company (the third
party payer). So, look on the back of your card, find the customer service number, and call them
and ask: "Does my policy cover acupuncture?" and "What, if any, are the restrictions?"
Why should you ask about your individual policy? Most third party payers have multiple policies
and they do not all have the same benefit package. Your policy number, found on the front of your
card will allow the customer service representative to tell you what your benefit is, your current
deductible, and any limitations or restrictions.
Why should you ask about restrictions? Some policies have a cap on the number of visits per
year. Other policies will pay for acupuncture only if it is used in place of anesthesia in a hospital
setting. Sounds good, except for the fact that NO hospital in West Virginia allows acupuncture to
occur in a hospital setting, so really there is no possible benefit, even though you are paying for
said benefit.
First, Medicare does not pay for acupuncture or natural medicine, any place in the USA, no
matter who provides the service. Medicare is not an insurance company, it is a law, and the
provisions and reimbursements are set by Congress.
West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky Medicaid do not pay for acupuncture or natural medicine either.
I am truly sorry that these patients have to pay out of pocket.
matter who provides the service. Medicare is not an insurance company, it is a law, and the
provisions and reimbursements are set by Congress.
West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky Medicaid do not pay for acupuncture or natural medicine either.
I am truly sorry that these patients have to pay out of pocket.
So which policies generally do cover?
Federal Blue Cross and Blue Shield (policies whose first number is the letter "R")
West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA)
Mail Handlers Benefit
Access West Virginia (PEIA card holders only)
Federal Blue Cross and Blue Shield (policies whose first number is the letter "R")
West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA)
Mail Handlers Benefit
Access West Virginia (PEIA card holders only)