Legislative
Legislative Agenda
Recent AOMAM initiatives
Equal Access for Acupuncture and Edith R. Davis Memorial
In 2009, the Equal Access For Acupuncture and Edith R. Davis Memorial bill was passed and signed by the Minnesota governor Pawlenty. This law (enacted on all policies written after 8/1/09) provides that insurers who cover acupuncture in a policy must cover acupuncture performed by a licensed acupuncturist. Previously, many companies would cover acupuncture only if performed by medical doctors or chiropractors, both of whom have far less training in acupuncture.
Current initiatives in the profession
Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act of 2009
The Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act of 2009 would amend the Supplementary Medical Insurance (part B) of Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) and the federal civil service law relating to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program to cover qualified acupuncturist services. This bill's number is HR646.
Current status
As of 1/22/2009, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committees on Ways and Means, and Oversight and Government Reform. It is referred for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker of the House.
How you can get involved
We encourage you to contact your U.S. Representative and encourage them to support this bill. Click on the link below to go to a document published by AAAOM (the national acupuncture and Oriental medicine professional association) that will guide you through how you can lend your voice.
http://www.aaaomonline.info/hr-646_campaign_info.pdf