May 11, 2023
More and more Premera Blue Cross members are turning to alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care for common ailments like back pain, arthritis, and migraines. And many more members are interested in exploring their options.
Do you know how to guide your clients through our alternative care coverage? Here you can learn which services our individual and family plans cover, and other ways Premera can help your clients reduce their out-of-pocket expenses for alternative therapies.
Covered services
Our Premera plans all include coverage for acupuncture, chiropractic services, massage, and other spinal manipulations. However, preapprovals for medical necessity and other limitations may exist. Remind your clients it’s important to refer to their benefit booklet to see which services are covered.
Finding care
The easiest way to search for in-network alternative care providers is to use our Find Care tool. Your clients can find the “Alternative Care & Physical Rehab” category under “Other Services.”
Knowing the costs
As with any medical service, it’s important your clients know what they’ll pay for care. The amount may depend on the type of alternative care and their plan’s deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum. For details, recommend your clients sign in to their account and use the cost estimator tool.
Using a health savings account (HSA)
For your clients who chose our Bronze HSA plan, using HSA funds for alternative care is an excellent option. Many services are HSA eligible and reduce out-of-pocket costs. General information for clients is available on the Premera Health Savings Account web page.
Understanding alternative care
It’s important your clients understand their options and priorities and feel comfortable deciding to try alternative care. Through the Premera website, they can access information from Healthwise, an independent, nonprofit that offers guides and tools in clear language.