According to a recent survey, 40% of Americans are currently using some type of alternative health care and 67% think that coverage of alternative treatments is important in choosing a health plan.

It’s not a surprise then that in a 1996 survey, 42% of health plans reported that they cover some alternative remedies and 58% said that they planned to increase their options for covering alternative care.

Peter O’Neill, of Blue Cross of California noted, “It makes sense from a customer-relations standpoint. Low-cost alternative treatments help our members stay healthy.” Blue Cross of California recently started offering discounts for “complimentary care” such as massage, vitamin supplements and health club memberships, in addition to its coverage of chiropractic care.

It’s always best to check with your insurance company about chiropractic and related coverage, since more and more insurance companies are adding these to their offerings and/or expanding their options.

SOURCE: New Woman, April 1999.