Treatment by licensed acupuncture practitioners will become more widely reimbursed by health care plans that already offer physician-supervised or provided coverage only.
A new law provides equal access to a licensed acupuncture practitioner for services covered under a regulated health plan. If acupuncture services provided by a physician are covered, the same services provided by a licensed acupuncture practitioner must also be covered. It does not require health plans that don’t cover any acupuncture services to begin doing so.
The law is also a memorial to Edith R. Davis, considered Minnesota’s pioneer acupuncturist, who brought “the whole area of acupuncture into the light of day and (made) sure that we have good standards,” said Rep. Karen Clark (DFL-Mpls), who sponsors the law with Sen. Linda Berglin (DFL-Mpls).
Advocates said that a growing body of scientific evidence supports the benefits of acupuncture for a variety of conditions and that the treatment is rarely associated with complications. They also said only about a dozen Minnesota physicians or chiropractors are board-certified in medical acupuncture.
“Acupuncturists licensed under Board of Medical Practice’s very high standards ironically are not allowed to get reimbursed, and often their prices are lower and they are far more qualified” to practice acupuncture than are physicians, even those with acupuncture licenses, said Rep. Jim Abeler (R-Anoka).
The law takes effect Aug. 1, 2009, and applies to coverage issued, renewed or continued on or after that date.
HF286/SF245*/CH45
HHS bill is DOA but hoping for CPR
Supporters cite gaining federal funds, governor concerned about spending
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Published 5/13/2010
House passes HHS budget bill
Members reluctantly vote for cuts; governor says bill is too costly
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Published 5/6/2010
Not cutting as deep
Although painful now, omnibus HHS budget bill could set stage for reform
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Published 4/29/2010
Revisiting GAMC
Program participation questionable, hospitals favor earlier federal reform
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Published 4/22/2010
A distress call for SOS?
State Operated Services plans programmatic redesign, amidst criticism
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Published 4/22/2010
Minnesota Index: Health coverage
Figures and statistics on health coverage and other vitals
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Published 4/22/2010
Inking a deal for donors
State oversight of body arts could reduce donor deferrals
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Published 4/15/2010
Nursing a level playing field
Sides differ on who should pay for nursing home costs
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Published 4/8/2010
Saying ‘sorry’
House resolution would apologize for practices done decades ago
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Published 3/25/2010
And the cupboard is bare
More Minnesotans struggle to put food on the table
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Published 2/25/2010
Future of GAMC uncertain
Legislators consider health care for state’s poor, sick
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Published 2/11/2010
At Issue: Health care law quagmire
Sustainability at issue in law line-item vetoed by governor
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Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: More compromise, more reductions
Cuts in health and human services finance bill called ‘painful’
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Published 5/15/2009
At Issue: Cuts hang in the balance
Much depends on tax increases
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Published 5/1/2009
At Issue: Providing ‘pretty darn good coverage’
A new approach to public health could save millions in benefits, advocates say
(view full story)
Published 4/10/2009
First Reading: Complex problem, complex solution
Cuts to health and human services could create reform opportunity
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Published 4/3/2009
Minnesota Index: Health boards
Figures and statistics on health licensing board in Minnesota
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Published 3/13/2009
At Issue: Medical marijuana
Controversial treatment clears first committee hurdle
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Published 2/20/2009
Minnesota Index: Less lighting up
Figures and statistics on smoking in Minnesota
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Published 2/20/2009