IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY INSURANCE IN COLORADO? A 2025 GUIDE
IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY INSURANCE IN COLORADO? A 2025 GUIDE
If you're searching for acupuncture treatment in Denver or Boulder and wondering "does insurance cover acupuncture in Colorado?", you're not alone. The good news is that many insurance plans now recognize acupuncture as a valuable healthcare service. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate acupuncture insurance coverage in Colorado for 2025 and understand your options.
UNDERSTANDING ACUPUNCTURE COVERAGE IN COLORADO
Colorado has been progressive in recognizing alternative and complementary medicine. Many insurance companies now offer acupuncture coverage as part of their standard benefits or as an add-on option. Coverage typically falls into several categories:
Pain management: Most commonly covered for chronic pain conditions
Preventive care: Some plans cover wellness-focused acupuncture
Specific conditions: Coverage for migraines, nausea, arthritis, and other conditions
Post-accident care: Motor vehicle accidents and workers' compensation claims
MAJOR INSURANCE PROVIDERS AND THEIR COVERAGE
UNITED HEALTHCARE
United Healthcare offers some of the most comprehensive acupuncture coverage in Colorado. Most UHC plans include:
Coverage for chronic pain conditions
Typically 12-20 visits per year
Referral may or may not be required depending on your specific plan
Coverage often includes both in-network and out-of-network benefits
UMR (United Medical Resources)
As a third-party administrator for self-funded employer health plans, UMR coverage varies by employer but often includes:
Acupuncture benefits similar to United Healthcare plans
Coverage amounts determined by your employer's chosen benefits
Usually requires pre-authorization for treatment
GEHA (Government Employees Health Association)
Federal employees and retirees with GEHA typically enjoy:
Generous acupuncture benefits
Coverage for various conditions beyond just pain management
Annual visit limits that are often higher than private insurance
Lower copayments for in-network providers
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Colorado) & Out-of-State BCBS Plans
We do not accept any Blue Cross Blue Shield plans (Colorado or out-of-state). Here's why:
BCBS reimbursement rates are unsustainably low (often just $55 per visit)
This doesn't cover the cost of providing quality acupuncture care
Many acupuncture practices in Colorado have made the same decision
If you have BCBS: Don't worry! We provide detailed superbills for you to submit for out-of-network reimbursement. Many patients find their out-of-network benefits actually provide better coverage than the in-network rates.
Aetna
We do not accept Aetna plans. Like BCBS, Aetna's reimbursement rates for acupuncture are often too low to maintain quality care. However, we provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
Kaiser Permanente Colorado
Offers acupuncture through their integrated system
May require referral from Kaiser physician
Limited to Kaiser facilities or approved providers
Cigna
Coverage varies by plan
Often covers acupuncture for pain management
May require pre-authorization
Motor Vehicle Accident Claims
If you've been injured in a car accident, acupuncture treatment is often covered under:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Colorado requires minimum PIP coverage that can be used for acupuncture
MedPay: Additional medical payment coverage that doesn't require fault determination
Third-party claims: When another driver is at fault, their insurance may cover your acupuncture treatment
No pre-authorization needed: Unlike regular health insurance, auto insurance typically doesn't require pre-approval for acupuncture
Why Insurance Reimbursement Rates Matter
Here's the reality many patients don't know: insurance reimbursement rates for acupuncture vary dramatically. While your insurance may "cover" acupuncture, some plans reimburse as little as $55 per session—far below the actual cost of providing quality care. This is why:
Many acupuncture clinics in Denver and Boulder no longer accept certain insurances
Providers must be selective about which plans they accept to maintain quality care
Low reimbursement rates from plans like BCBS and Aetna have forced many practices to go cash-only
Better Options for Low-Reimbursing Insurance Plans
If your insurance has poor acupuncture coverage, consider:
Using out-of-network benefits: Submit receipts for partial reimbursement
Superbills: We provide detailed superbills for all patients to submit to their insurance for out-of-network reimbursement
HSA/FSA funds: Acupuncture is an eligible expense for tax-free healthcare spending
Comparing cash rates: Sometimes paying out-of-pocket is more cost-effective than using insurance with high deductibles
Supplemental coverage: Some employers offer additional wellness benefits
Understanding Superbills
A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes:
All diagnosis and procedure codes
Provider information and credentials
Visit dates and costs
Everything your insurance needs for reimbursement
Even if we don't accept your insurance directly, you can submit superbills to potentially receive 50-80% reimbursement from your out-of-network benefits. We make this process easy by providing properly coded superbills after each visit.
How to Verify Your Acupuncture Coverage in Colorado
Check Your Coverage Online
The easiest way to verify your acupuncture benefits is to visit www.pointprescription.com/insurance. This tool helps you quickly check if your insurance covers acupuncture and what your benefits include.
Or Call Your Insurance Company
Before scheduling your appointment, follow these steps:
Call your insurance company
Ask specifically about "acupuncture benefits"
Inquire about annual visit limits
Confirm copayment or coinsurance amounts
Ask if a referral is required
Key questions to ask:
"Is acupuncture a covered benefit under my plan?"
"How many visits are covered per year?"
"What is my copay or coinsurance for acupuncture?"
"Do I need a referral or pre-authorization?"
"What diagnosis codes are covered for acupuncture?"
Get it in writing
Request a benefits summary via email
Note the representative's name and reference number
Save all documentation
What We Accept at Point Prescription Acupuncture
At our convenient Point Prescription locations serving the Denver-Boulder metro area:
Denver: 2150 W 29th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
Boulder: 825 S Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305
We're pleased to accept:
United Healthcare: Including most PPO and POS plans
UMR: Self-funded employer plans
GEHA: Federal employee health benefits
Motor Vehicle Accident Claims: Including PIP and MedPay coverage
We do not accept: Blue Cross Blue Shield (any state), Cigna, Kaiser, or Aetna. However, we provide detailed superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
We handle insurance billing directly for accepted plans, so you don't have to worry about submitting claims yourself. Our experienced staff will verify your benefits before your first visit and help maximize your coverage.
Self-Pay Options at Point Prescription
If you don't have insurance or prefer not to use it, our cash rates are straightforward:
Initial Consultation: $150
Follow-up Treatments: $100
We also offer membership plans and treatment packages for ongoing care, making acupuncture more affordable for regular treatments. Many patients find these options more cost-effective than dealing with high deductibles or poor insurance reimbursement.
Ready to Schedule Your Acupuncture Appointment?
Don't let insurance questions stop you from getting the care you need. We're here to help!
Book Online
Contact Us
Phone: 720.696.0511
Questions? Fill out our contact form
Evening appointments available for working professionals
Whether you're using insurance or exploring self-pay options, our team at Point Prescription will help you navigate the best path to affordable acupuncture care in Denver and Boulder.
Point Prescription Acupuncture - Making quality acupuncture accessible in Denver and Boulder, Colorado. Serving Highland, Berkeley, Sunnyside, and North Boulder neighborhoods with convenient evening hours.
