Acupuncture, a covered Worker's Compensation Benefit

keywords:  worker's compensation act, state laws, legislation

Originally published in the De-Stress Vets blog, 2016.06.27

Acupuncture is one of the therapeutic procedures an East Asian Medicine practitioner (also known as Licensed Acupuncturist) uses when facilitating recovery from injury.  Acupuncture is one of several rehabilitation modalities that speed recovery from injury and help someone return to work more quickly (than not using it).  That is why it is now a commonplace procedure that is covered in worker's compensation laws.

Check your state for its requirements and laws on worker's compensation.  Here is a list of states that cover acupuncture for common workplace injuries under their worker's comp laws or acts (updated March 2016):

States where acupuncture is covered under worker’s comp benefit (29 + D.C.)

Alaska	Florida	Massachusetts	New Jersey	Pennsylvania
Arizona	Hawaii	Michigan	New Mexico	Rhode Island
California	Illinois	Minnesota	New York	Virginia
Colorado	Indiana	Missouri	Ohio	Washington DC
Connecticut	Kansas	Nebraska	Oklahoma	West Virginia
Delaware	Maryland	Nevada	Oregon	Wisconsin

As of March 2016, 29 states and D.C. cover acupuncture services for worker's comp claims

A literature survey of state law was done in March 2016.  This survey noted that the above (in chart) states and D.C. cover acupuncture for at least one condition under that state's worker's comp benefit.

Note:  state law varies.  Worker's comp laws can change each legislative session, so check in with your local office for the latest update.

Related posts:  The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Acupuncture

the Vet Choice Program

correction October 2018
For most recent information on acupuncture coverage by workers' comp, contact the AAC Info Network, which does training for Acupuncturists and their admin and billing staff on coding and billing in the field.  https://www.aacinfonetwork.com/