FOR Speedy Release
May possibly 9, 2023
CONTACTS:
Graeme Crews (Chu), (202) 597-2923
Reagan McCarthy (Fitzpatrick)
Reps. Chu, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act of 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Currently, Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) launched the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act of 2023. The Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act would boost obtain to acupuncture in our health care program by making sure that accredited acupuncturists can participate as providers in Medicare so that seniors have this helpful therapy option readily available to them.
Federal investigate has concluded that acupuncture can be an productive treatment and a protected non-drug option for the thousands and thousands of Us residents suffering from persistent ache and recovery from material abuse. This has been reflected in federal law: the Reasonably priced Care Act assisted to maximize entry by permitting states to deal with acupuncture in plans on state health and fitness exchanges, and Medicare has already acknowledged the value of acupuncture by issuing a National Coverage Willpower for continual reduced back suffering. On the other hand, licensed acupuncturists are nevertheless prohibited from becoming Medicare companies.
“Everyone warrants the potential to regulate their individual health care choices, like obtain to traditional Asian medication, which has been thriving at dealing with a vary of wellbeing troubles for 1000’s of many years,” stated Rep. Chu. “Acupuncture cure ought to be offered to all Americans, and this invoice moves us closer to this aim by connecting a lot more People in america to the care they will need, and ensuring we are providing our seniors on Medicare entry to all readily available treatment possibilities.”
“Acupuncture is tested to be efficient for pain relief and management, and seniors who count on Medicare gains need to be in a position to accessibility these expert services,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “I am very pleased to be part of Rep. Chu in introducing the bipartisan Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act to guarantee that seniors have conveniently out there obtain to all remedy options.”
“On behalf of the American Alliance for Acupuncture, a nationwide corporation that has been focused to serving the acupuncture society and public communities for more than 30 many years, we applaud Reps Chu and Fitzpatrick for introducing the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act,” explained Dr. Michelle Lau, President of American Alliance of Acupuncture. “This monthly bill will supply thousands and thousands of Individuals with entry to acupuncture treatment options and make a variation for so many seniors living with continual soreness.”
“Medicare beneficiaries are projected to maximize from 63 to 80 million in the following 7 a long time, so this invoice is important in taking away boundaries to the expanding desire for a protected, non-pharmacological choice to discomfort and improved heath. The ASA applauds Agent Judy Chu, Consultant Brian Fitzpatrick, and all included for comprehension the will need to address the opioid crisis whilst also decreasing healthcare expenditures and improving extensive-phrase outcomes,” claimed Olivia Hsu Friedman, DACM, L.Ac., ASA Chair.
“Obtaining Medicare-service provider status for acupuncturists is a priority for the ASA and the NCCAOM and we are grateful to Representatives Judy Chu and Brian Fitzpatrick for championing this invoice. This recognition would help qualified acupuncturists to make improvements to the health and top quality of life of so several Senior Citizens and their families,” said Mina Larson, M.S., MBA, NCCAOM CEO.
“Our seniors should have economical obtain to non-pharmacological agony reduction provided by acupuncturists and billed by Medicare,” explained Sarah Hart, L.Ac., California State Oriental Drugs Affiliation (CSOMA) President. “CSOMA absolutely supports increasing obtain to acupuncture in the healthcare shipping method and many thanks Reps. Judy Chu and Brian Fitzpatrick for introducing the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act.”
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