Does the VA Cover Acupuncture for Veterans?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides healthcare services to eligible veterans. This comprehensive healthcare system aims to address a wide array of health needs, integrating various treatment modalities to offer patient-centered care. The VA’s approach to veteran health includes both conventional medical treatments and complementary health practices.

VA Policy on Acupuncture Coverage

The VA covers acupuncture as a recognized treatment modality within its healthcare framework. This inclusion is part of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Whole Health System of care, ensuring that acupuncture care can be covered under a veteran’s medical benefits package.

Acupuncture coverage is contingent upon it being clinically necessary, as determined by the veteran’s care team. The VA’s rationale for covering acupuncture often stems from its documented role in pain management, including chronic pain, headaches, low back pain, and knee osteoarthritis. It is also recognized for its potential benefits in supporting mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alongside addressing wellness indicators like insomnia and nausea.

The integration of acupuncture offers a non-opioid alternative for pain management, which aligns with broader efforts to reduce reliance on certain medications. A qualification standard was published, enabling licensed acupuncturists to be hired to provide care directly at VA Medical Centers (VAMCs). This signifies the VA’s formal acceptance and expansion of acupuncture services. Acupuncture is generally considered a safe treatment when administered by appropriately trained and qualified providers.

How Veterans Access Acupuncture Care

Veterans seeking acupuncture care through the VA must first be enrolled in the VA healthcare system. Eligibility for VA healthcare typically requires service in the active military, naval, or air service, with a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. Exceptions exist for those discharged due to a service-connected disability or hardship.

To apply for VA healthcare, veterans can submit VA Form 10-10EZ online, by telephone, by mail, or in person at a local VA facility. The application process generally requires providing a Social Security number, details of any existing health insurance, and military service history documentation, such as a DD214 form. Depending on their income and service-connected disability status, veterans may also need to provide financial information.

Accessing acupuncture care specifically requires a referral from a VA primary care provider or specialist. Veterans should discuss their condition with their VA doctor and request acupuncture for an evaluated health concern. Care can be provided directly within VA Medical Centers and clinics, where licensed acupuncturists may be on staff.

Alternatively, veterans may access acupuncture through the VA Community Care Network (CCN). This option becomes available if the VA facility cannot provide the necessary care, if the wait time for an appointment exceeds certain standards (e.g., over 20 to 28 days), or if the travel distance to a VA facility is too far (e.g., over 30 to 60 minutes drive). The CCN is managed by third-party administrators, such as TriWest or Optum, who coordinate care with community-based providers. Veterans can typically request a specific in-network provider, and generally do not incur out-of-pocket costs for these services. Once a referral is authorized, an initial set of treatments, often around 12 sessions, may be approved, with possibilities for re-authorization based on clinical effectiveness.