Two weeks ago, we mentioned that acupuncture is now considered a covered benefit for Medicare patients who are being treated for low back pain. While there are specific criteria for patients who will receive treatment, more information has emerged as to WHY Medicare will now be fronting the bill — largely in part due to the opioid crisis.

Alex Azar, Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has said in a statement, “Expanding options for pain treatment is a key piece of the Trump Administration’s strategy for defeating our country’s opioid crisis.”

He added, “President Trump has promised to protect and improve Medicare for our seniors, and deciding to cover this new treatment option is another sign of that commitment. Medicare beneficiaries will now have a new option at their disposal to help them deal with chronic low back pain, which is a common and sometimes debilitating condition.”  

As Forbes also reported, Kimberly Brandt, the Principal Deputy Administrator of Operations and Policy for CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) has said, “We are dedicated to increasing access to alternatives to prescription opioids and believe that covering acupuncture for chronic low back pain is in the best interest of Medicare patients,”

She also added, “Over-reliance on opioids for people with chronic pain is one of the factors that led to the crisis, so it is vital that we offer a range of treatment options for our beneficiaries.”

At NJ Acupuncture Center, we are fully committed to combating the opioid crisis and believe in the power of acupuncture in regards to pain management and relief. We applaud those who are working tirelessly to provide alternatives, and we are proud to work among them.