Ohio is expanding Medicaid coverage for . Last fall, it began approving payment for the non-drug pain treatment if it was provided by medical doctors. But thousands more practitioners will be included in the New Year.
Under the new rules, up to 30 acupuncture treatments a year by chiropractors can be covered.
Warren-area chiropractor Patrick Ensminger says the changes involving his profession arise from the opioid crisis, as national healthcare agencies advise a switch away from addictive drugs and toward non-pharmaceutical pain management.
鈥淚t has led to the recognition that acupuncture is largely provided by doctors of chiropractic in the state of Ohio,鈥� Ensminger says. 鈥淪o the was quite open to making this measure in effect Jan. 1, 2018.鈥�
Ohio鈥檚 Department of Medicaid also approved certified acupuncturists for coverage in 2018.
