March 2005

Bill asks for TRICARE chiropractic benefits

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., has introduced legislation (HB 999) that would extend chiropractic health benefits to U.S. military retirees, dependents and survivors through the TRICARE program.

A similar bill was introduced last year during the 108th Congressional session. However, the bill was not signed into law by the end of the Congressional session and a new bill had to be reintroduced. Co-sponsors to support the bill are now being sought.

The American Chiropractic Association, which plans to support this legislation actively, is asking doctors of chiropractic across the country to take action by calling their representatives in the U.S. House and urging them to join as original co-sponsors of the legislation.

TRICARE, the healthcare program for active-duty and retired members of the uniformed services, their families, and survivors, combines both military and civilian healthcare services.

Chiropractic care became a permanent benefit for active-duty service members at designated sites on Oct. 1, 2001, and is now available at 42 military treatment facilities. Currently, non-active-duty beneficiaries — retirees, dependents and survivors — have the option of being referred to medical professionals within the military health system (physical therapists, family practitioners or orthopedists) or seeking, at their own expense, chiropractic care in the local community.

Source: American Chiropractic Association, www.acatoday.com

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