ACA action yields clarification on BCBSA chiropractic coverage

April 7, 2009 — Since early December 2008, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has been working to reverse a policy change reclassifying doctors of chiropractic in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan. This issue’s grave implications have made it the top priority in ACA insurance initiatives.

On April 2, 2009, representatives of ACA and BCBSA met in Washington, D.C., to discuss each organization’s concerns related to the classification of doctors of chiropractic as “physicians” under the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Federal Employee Program. The parties had a cordial, frank, and open discussion in which each organization’s concerns were laid out in detail. Continued, ongoing dialog is planned and welcomed by both parties.

BCBSA understands and appreciates why the classification of doctors of chiropractic as something other than “physicians” is of such fundamental concern to the ACA and the chiropractic community and is willing to explore any options offered by ACA to address their concerns while still addressing their underlying issues. BCBSA also expressed its intent to clarify with local Blue plans that the Jan. 1 change did not in any way affect benefits or coverage.

Any doctors who continue to be restricted from performing examinations, therapeutic modalities or referring federal employee patients for other services, including diagnostic and physical or occupational therapy services, should contact the ACA Insurance Relations Department by e-mailing Insinfo@acatoday.org.

Source: American Chiropractic Association, www.acatoday.org