Reps. Chu, Fitzpatrick Introduce Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act to Expand Access to Acupuncture in Medicare
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act to ensure that seniors have access to all available treatment options for conditions like chronic pain. This bill would increase access to acupuncture in our healthcare system by ensuring that licensed acupuncturists can participate as providers in Medicare so that seniors have this effective treatment option available to them.
Federal research has concluded that acupuncture can be an effective treatment and a safe non-drug alternative for the millions of Americans experiencing chronic pain and recovery from substance abuse. This has been reflected in federal law: the Affordable Care Act helped to increase access by allowing states to cover acupuncture in plans on state health exchanges, and Medicare has already acknowledged the value of acupuncture by issuing a National Coverage Determination for chronic lower back pain. However, licensed acupuncturists are still prohibited from being Medicare providers.
“Everyone deserves the ability to take control of their own healthcare, including access to traditional Asian medicine, which has been successful at treating a range of health problems for thousands of years,” said Rep. Chu. “I have been a proud ally of the acupuncture community going back many decades because I have seen the life-changing impact it can have on patients. Medicare has already acknowledged the value of acupuncture by issuing a National Coverage Determination for chronic lower back pain, but licensed acupuncturists are still prohibited from being Medicare providers. The Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act would add licensed acupuncturists to the Medicare program as providers, ensuring they are able to practice independently like any other provider. Acupuncture treatment should be available to all Americans, and this bill moves us closer to this goal by connecting more Americans to the care they need, and ensuring we are giving our seniors on Medicare access to all available treatment options.”
"Our seniors deserve every available option to manage their health and well-being," said Rep. Fitzpatrick (PA-01). "Acupuncture is a proven, effective treatment for pain relief, yet too many Medicare beneficiaries are unable to access it. I’m proud to work alongside Rep. Chu in this effort to ensure our seniors can receive the care they need without unnecessary barriers."
“On behalf of the American Alliance for Acupuncture, a nationwide organization that has been dedicated to serving the acupuncture society and public communities for over 30 years, we applaud Representatives Chu and Fitzpatrick for introducing the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act,” said Dr. Michelle Lau, President of American Alliance of Acupuncture. “This bill will provide millions of Americans with access to acupuncture treatments and make a difference for so many seniors living with chronic pain.”
"The number of Medicare beneficiaries is projected to grow from 63 to 80 million over the next seven years. At the same time, this population currently has limited access to the practitioners with the most specific and advanced training who can provide non-pharmacological acupuncture treatments. This bill is crucial in removing that barrier, ensuring broader direct access to acupuncturists, and expanding options for safe, effective pain management. The ASA commends Representative Judy Chu, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, and all those involved for their leadership in addressing the opioid crisis while reducing healthcare costs and improving long-term health outcomes,” said Olivia Hsu Friedman, DACM, L.Ac., ASA Chair.
“There is no time more critical than now to remove barriers to acupuncturists so they can provide covered acupuncture services to Medicare beneficiaries. Current barriers push Seniors toward invasive surgeries and opioid reliance, to the detriment of their long-term health. Increasing access to acupuncturists will help improve healthcare outcomes and reduce healthcare spending for chronic conditions. The NCCAOM applauds the work that Representatives Judy Chu and Brian Fitzpatrick are doing in Congress to move the Acupuncture for our Seniors Act forward so Seniors have access to the most appropriate providers,” said Mina Larson, M.S., MBA, NCCAOM CEO.
Click here to read the bill text in full.