More people are using alternative therapies to treat stress, pain and illness. Almost 40 percent of adults and 12 percent of children use complementary or alternative medicine.1
From supplements to acupuncture, Americans use alternative therapy as part of an effort to stay healthy or treat chronic or severe conditions. Many pay for it out of their own pocket, too. That’s because alternative medicine is generally not considered part of traditional health care and many health plans do not cover these visits.
Alternative and complementary health practices are treatments that have traditionally not been part of western health care. These approaches can range from herbal supplements and special diets to acupuncture and chiropractic care.
Some people are drawn to alternative treatments because they focus on the connection between body and mind. Other people believe alternative therapies are “safer” because they lack the side effects of traditional treatment and may also cost less. But how well do they work, and are they safe?
Most mind and body practices like acupuncture, meditation and yoga are safe for healthy people working with a trained professional. But for some treatments there’s not enough research to know for sure how safe they are or how well they work. It’s a good idea to learn all you can before you seek alternative or complementary treatment.
Source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2012
Most mind and body practices like acupuncture, meditation and yoga are safe for healthy people working with a trained professional. But for some treatments there’s not enough research to know for sure how safe they are or how well they work. It’s a good idea to learn all you can before you seek alternative or complementary treatment.
Here’s what to do before you try alternative medicines:
Alternative therapies should only be used to complement your doctor’s care, not replace it. Your doctor needs to know the whole picture to help you protect and manage your health.
For example, some herbal supplements can cause harmful reactions when taken with certain prescription drugs. Talk with your doctor about the therapies you’d like to try or are already using so you can agree on treatment.
Many claims about complementary or alternative treatments sound promising. But find out if science supports the claims. Look online or check medical journals for studies or research that provide solid proof.
Use as much care as you would in choosing a traditional health care professional. Read reviews, check health directories, or ask your doctor for a referral.
Before you seek care be sure it’s the right kind to meet your needs. For example, a chiropractor may be able to help with back and neck pain, but not allergies. Your medical doctor may be able to provide recommendations.
Check with your health plan before you seek treatment to see if it’s covered. In most cases, therapy must be considered safe, effective and medically necessary to be covered. Your plan may also cover treatment only when it’s prescribed by your doctor.
If your health plan doesn’t cover the cost of alternative therapies, you may be able to pay for some qualified treatments using funds from your health savings account (HSA). For example, you can use money from your HSA to pay for chiropractic and acupuncture services, but not aromatherapy or herbology.
Here are some questions to ask when you contact your plan:
Be sure to keep copies of any bills or letters you receive from your plan and practitioner in case you need them to resolve claims issues.
Blue Cross and Blue Plus make it easy to get answers to your health questions. If you’re a member, you have online access to doctors and a variety of health resources at your fingertips. Log in - Opens in a new window to your member site to find a doctor and see ‘wellness’ for your resources.
If you do not have health insurance, Blue Cross and Blue Plus offer a range of health plans to meet your needs and budget. All health plans include preventive care coverage along with tools and resources to help you stay healthy and protect the health of your entire family. Talk with an agent - Opens in a new window or connect with a Blue Cross Advisor to learn more.
1National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2017
This is general information about how plan benefits work. Review the Summary of Benefits and Coverage and your specific health plan benefits book for information about how your plan works.
*It’s up to you to always check if your provider is in your health plan network before you receive services. Not all providers are in every network. You may pay more or for all of your healthcare costs if your provider is out of your network or does not have a contract with Blue Cross (this is called a non-participating provider). You can verify if your provider is in your network by calling customer service at the number on the back of your member ID card.