Bill
S 5955
Bill S 5955 mandates health insurance to cover acupuncture services, enhancing access for patients and increasing demand for licensed acupuncturists.
Bill Number: S 5955
Title: Relates to mandatory health insurance coverage for acupuncture services
Status: PRINT NUMBER 5955A
Introduced: March 04, 2025
Classification: Bill
Bill S 5955 aims to mandate health insurance providers to cover acupuncture services as part of their standard health insurance plans. The intent of the bill is to enhance access to alternative and complementary medical treatments, recognizing acupuncture as a legitimate form of healthcare that can benefit patients suffering from various conditions.
Mandatory Coverage: The bill requires all health insurance policies to include coverage for acupuncture services. This includes treatments provided by licensed acupuncturists.
Scope of Services: Coverage will encompass a range of acupuncture treatments, potentially including pain management, stress relief, and other therapeutic applications recognized by medical professionals.
Licensing Requirements: Acupuncturists providing services under this mandate must be licensed and meet specific state regulatory standards to ensure quality and safety in treatment.
Exemptions: The bill may outline specific exemptions or limitations regarding the number of sessions covered or conditions under which acupuncture is deemed medically necessary.
Patients: Individuals seeking acupuncture treatment will benefit from reduced out-of-pocket costs, making this alternative therapy more accessible.
Health Insurance Providers: Insurers will be required to adjust their policies to comply with the new coverage mandate, which may involve changes in premium structures or policy offerings.
Acupuncturists: Licensed acupuncturists will see an increase in patient volume as more individuals seek covered treatments, potentially leading to growth in the acupuncture profession.
Introduced: The bill was introduced on March 04, 2025, and referred to the Insurance Committee for review.
Amendments and Recommitment: On May 22, 2025, the bill was amended and recommitted to the Insurance Committee, indicating ongoing discussions and potential revisions to the original proposal.
Print Number Update: The bill was printed as number 5955A following the amendments, reflecting the updated version of the legislation.
This bill is part of a broader legislative context, with several related bills from prior sessions, including:
- S 8011
- S 7636
- S 4560
- S 5071
- S 6038
- A 622 (companion bill)
These related bills may address similar issues or provide additional context regarding health insurance coverage for alternative therapies.
Bill S 5955 represents a significant step towards integrating acupuncture into mainstream healthcare by mandating insurance coverage. If passed, it could improve access to alternative treatments for many patients, while also impacting the insurance and healthcare landscape in the state.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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