It’s true. All CalPERS Basic and Medicare health plans include acupuncture and chiropractic services available at a low copay.
We provide these important benefits because evidence shows they can help you manage acute and chronic pain, alleviate discomfort from injuries and chronic conditions, and contribute to overall well-being and long-term health.
You can access acupuncture and chiropractic services for a combined total of 20 visits per calendar year, without referral or medical necessity. This means there’s no pre-authorization needed from a primary care physician or your plan for you to receive acupuncture and chiropractic care.
For a list of providers available to you, visit your CalPERS health plan webpage and search for acupuncture or chiropractic services or contact your health plan.
For most Basic and Medicare health plans, you’ll have a $15 copay for the first 20 acupuncture and chiropractic visits. After 20 visits, you’ll be responsible for the full costs for any additional appointments. Remember, the benefit is for a combined total of 20 visits. For example, you may use 10 visits for acupuncture services and 10 visits for chiropractic services, for a total of 20 visits.
You may already see an acupuncturist or chiropractor. However, to take advantage of this benefit coverage, you must see an acupuncturist or chiropractor in your health plan’s network of providers, and you must obtain services as described by your health plan.
For more information about this benefit, please refer to your plan’s Evidence of Coverage publication available under Forms & Publications on our website or contact your health plan.