Alternatives being offered
Insurers are beginning to offer coverage of alternative therapies, responding to the growing consumer demand and potential financial windfall, according to an article in the March life/health edition of Best’s Review.
Companies already offering alternative coverage include, Oxford Health Plans in Norwalk, CT, and San Mateo, CA-based American Western Life. Other health insurance providers such as Bloomfield, CT-based Cigna HealthCare, also are considering some coverage of alternative medicine, including acupuncture, homeopathy, and chiropractic treatment.
Federal legislation could spur further coverage of alternative treatments. In 1995 Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) introduced the Access to Medical Treatment Act, which will be reintroduced to the 105th Congress. The act would give individuals the right to access treatments that are not FDA approved, as long as there is no evidence that the treatments can cause harm and the patient is informed of the risks.
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