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SF 87

A bill for an act relating to insurance coverage for acupuncture.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Molly Donahue

Bill SF 87 mandates insurance coverage for acupuncture by licensed acupuncturists, improving access and reducing costs for patients seeking alternative medical care.

Subcommittee: Driscoll, Dickey, and Trone Garriott.
#acupuncture #healthinsurance #insurance #medicalcare #third-partypayors
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Bill Summary · SF 87

Summary of Bill SF 87: Insurance Coverage for Acupuncture

Bill Number: SF 87
Introduced On: January 22, 2025
Current Status: Subcommittee: Driscoll, Dickey, and Trone Garriott
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Acupuncture, Health Insurance, Medical Care, Third-Party Payors

Purpose and Intent

Bill SF 87 aims to mandate insurance coverage for acupuncture treatments provided by licensed acupuncturists. The legislation seeks to enhance access to acupuncture as a form of medical care, promoting its use for health maintenance, disease prevention, and overall wellness.

Key Provisions

  • Coverage Requirement:
    The bill requires all health insurance policies, contracts, or plans that provide for third-party payment or prepayment of health or medical expenses to include coverage for acupuncture performed by licensed acupuncturists.

  • Definitions:

    • Acupuncturist: A licensed individual practicing acupuncture as defined under Code section 148E.2.
    • Practice of Acupuncture: The bill provides a specific definition for this practice, ensuring clarity on what constitutes acupuncture services.

  • Coverage Standards:

    • The coverage for acupuncture must be at least as favorable as that offered for general physical illnesses.
    • Cost-sharing requirements (such as deductibles and copayments) for acupuncture must not be less favorable than those for general physical illnesses.

  • Exemptions:
    The bill specifies certain types of specialized health-related insurance that are not subject to these coverage requirements.

  • Implementation Timeline:
    The provisions of the bill will apply to contracts, policies, or plans delivered, issued for delivery, continued, or renewed in the state on or after January 1, 2026.

  • Regulatory Authority:
    The Commissioner of Insurance is authorized to adopt rules necessary for the administration of this bill.

Impact

Who Would Be Affected?

  • Patients: Individuals seeking acupuncture treatment will benefit from increased insurance coverage, potentially reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Acupuncturists: Licensed acupuncturists will see an increase in patient access due to insurance coverage, which may lead to higher demand for their services.
  • Insurance Providers: Health insurers will need to adjust their policies and coverage options to comply with the new requirements.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the Commerce Committee on January 22, 2025, and is currently under review by a subcommittee consisting of members Driscoll, Dickey, and Trone Garriott.

Conclusion

Bill SF 87 represents a significant step towards integrating acupuncture into mainstream healthcare by ensuring that it is covered by health insurance plans. This legislation could improve access to alternative medical treatments for many individuals, aligning insurance practices with the growing recognition of acupuncture's benefits in health and wellness.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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