Q: Massage and Health Insurance?

A: The question of whether or not massage is covered by health insurance is often asked. The answer however, is not simple. It's often "maybe?!" The facts regarding the medical benefits of massage are clear and growing in number thanks to research. And the pressure on insurance companies is growing to include massage therapy. However, right now insurance companies are either requiring a lot of documentation (including a prescription-see below) or they are offering discount plans as an adjunct service, like Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC’s Alt Med Blue program.

I do accept insurance from those enlightened companies that will pay. I am part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC Alt Blue network, which entitles BCBSNC members a 20% discount on your massage session. From prior experience BCBS has only one company that includes massage through the policy and the member must file for reimbursement. The BCBS system has no way of entering Massage Therapists as providers right now. Aetna does not cover massage, as the many folks who have moved here from Florida have found out (they do pay for massage in FL.) If you have insurance through one of these companies, call them up and complain. That's the only way to get it changed. Medicare and Medicaid unfortunately do not pay for massage, either.

Many doctors are prescribing massage these days, which is essential if you are going to file for insurance. I can provide you with a Massage Prescription Form that you can bring to your next doctor's visit, or download the Massage Prescription Form here.

Q: How does massage benefit you?

A: massage can do wonders for your body. No longer considered an indulgence, therapeutic massage is recognized as an effective part of a wellness program. Benefits include:

• Relief from pain and stress
• Increase blood circulation and immune function
• Evolve the body to a place of more integrated alignment and authenticity
• Evoke awareness of body/mind/spirit connection

massage is part of an integrative care approach to many medical conditions which include:

Arthritis		Back Pain
Headaches		Carpal Tunnel
Fibromaylgia and Myofascial Pain		TMJ

The goal of life is not mere survival, nor should that be the goal of our healthcare. massage is a health modality with a whole body approach. massage and bodywork gifts us with new levels of body/spirit/mind integration, allowing individuals to find their way past stress and pain. By clearing away past conditioning, we find a way to our authentic selves and stay connected more of the time.