Massage therapy is recommended for many patients because of its medical benefits; it effectively relieves muscle tension, reduces pain, improves circulation, and reduces anxiety and stress.
Any medical practice costs for each consultation or session; can be more expensive when you do not have insurance than expected. If you plan to take out an insurance policy to include your messages, you must evaluate whether you can use it.
Insurance companies with coverage for massage therapies
Not all insurance companies have plans for massage therapies, so you should pay close attention to your range before taking it out. Some effective options you can find in the market are:
- Cigna: covers massage therapies only when used with another approved treatment such as physical therapy
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield: you have to contract the service benefit plan to cover massage therapy
- Unified medical care: has coverage for different massage therapies, but you must know which ones are covered according to the plan you have
- Emperor: their plans cover massage therapy only when you have an order from a Kaiser physician or licensed health care professional
- Aetna: They cover part of the cost of massage therapy
Why should you see insurance-recommended specialists?
Massage therapists have different levels of training; there are professionals such as physical therapists and salon specialists who have obtained certification through a course.
Both know basic techniques; however, the salon specialist will only give you a relaxing massage. Still, the qualified professional will find the root of the pain and apply effective treatments to alleviate the discomfort.
Health companies look for the most experienced and qualified professionals to offer you insurance benefits. The mission is to make sure that they help you correctly and that the covered part of the treatment is worth it.
How to get coverage for your massage therapy?
Although many insurance companies do not cover massage therapy, you can ask your doctor for a written prescription or recommendation indicating that it is an alternative to improve your health condition.
The primary care physician or chiropractor will write the prescription indicating that it is an important part of your treatment. Make sure the doctor suggests a prescription and not a referral.
By having a document stating the need for therapy, the chances of covering a portion of the cost with insurance will increase. But be prepared to receive a denial from the insurer if they do not have policies available for that type of treatment or your coverage does not include that option.
Questions to ask your insurer about massage therapy coverage
After viewing your policy and confirming that you have a range for massage therapy, you need to ask a few questions to verify the requirements you must meet to cover massage.
- What are the requirements you must meet to qualify for reimbursement
- Are there any out-of-pocket expenses? How much do you have to pay?
- What is the maximum amount your plan will cover per visit?
- What is the maximum annual amount payable for each policy term?
- What is the maximum time limit for the massage therapy session?
- What is the session time limit for each body region?
- Is there a list of massage therapists whose services are covered by your insurance plan?
- What types of massages are covered?
What to do if you don’t get coverage for your massage therapy?
If your insurance company does not cover massage therapy despite the doctor’s order and all requests, it is time to find an alternative to find a service that fits your budget.
If you have a health savings account, you should opt for it to cover the massage cost if it is among the medications that qualify for the program. You can also contact local massage schools to find the best deals.
Finally, ask for discounts available at specialized massage therapy centers. When the insurance company indicates that they do not have coverage for massage therapy, there is no way they will change their mind.