July 2, 2010 — ACA has noticed a trend in recent years where self-funded plans have a chiropractic benefit that allows MDs and DOs to provide care, but excludes DCs.
Thus, the benefit is essentially illusory to employees, who are unable to find an MD or DO who will perform manipulation. While ACA’s Insurance Relations Department advocates for members’ patients who are affected by this policy, patients should be encouraged to speak to their employers, as well.
If provided with proper information, patients can be the best advocates for coverage of their care. That’s why ACA created a patient education resource that will help patients understand this issue and communicate their concerns to their employers.
Source: American Chiropractic Association, www.acatoday.org
