Understanding Massage Therapy Insurance Coverage

Did you know that massage therapy has been around for thousands of years? In fact, it is one of the oldest forms of therapy known to man. And this should be no wonder, considering all of its incredible benefits.

Studies about the benefits of massage have found that it can help the body and the brain. This form of therapy can enhance circulation and promote healing. But it can also make people feel more focused and sleep better.

If you are considering getting a massage, you may wonder if your insurance provider will cover it. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to get massage therapy insurance coverage.

This guide will help you understand why most insurance companies do not cover massage therapy. But we will also tell you which insurance providers offer massage therapy benefits. Keep reading this post to learn more.

What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is a treatment that involves applying pressure to the body through rubbing and kneading movements. Massage therapists focus on soft tissues like the muscles and tendons.

There are countless benefits of medical massage. Studies show this treatment can help with stress relief and chronic pain. It may also improve immune system function, especially in people who have compromised immunity.

Massage therapy can be a regular part of someone’s wellness routine. Or a doctor may prescribe it to help with certain conditions. These conditions include fibromyalgia, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

However, it is essential to understand the difference between medical and general massage therapy. The former helps with a specific condition or disorder. The goal of general massage is to help the client relax.

Why is this difference crucial to understand? Medical massage tends to cost more, and insurance may cover it in some cases. General massage, on the other hand, is more affordable, though insurance providers will not cover it.

How Much Does Massage Therapy Cost?

The average cost of massage therapy is $100 per session. This is only an average, meaning some massage therapists charge more and others charge less. You may pay as little as $65 or more than $180 per session.

Medical massage therapists, also known as physical therapists, may charge even more. These individuals have advanced degrees and training. They have the skills needed to treat medical conditions through massage.

The good news is that insurance may cover all or a portion of medically-necessary massage therapy. However, you may have to see a specific massage therapy provider to get the most out of your benefits.

When Does Health Insurance Cover Massage Therapy?

Health insurance covers massage therapy when a healthcare provider deems it medically necessary. Medically necessary means the treatment in question, massage therapy in this case, is proven to treat a specific condition.

Treatment can be deemed medically necessary if it helps alleviate the symptoms of an illness, injury, or disease. But there has to be scientific evidence for its benefits to the condition.

Doctors must deem massage therapy medically necessary. When this happens, he or she can provide a referral to a medical massage therapist. Some insurers will cover medically-necessary massage therapy referrals.

Sometimes, insurance companies may not cover massage therapy referrals, even if they are medically necessary. In this case, ask your doctor for a prescription. Some insurers will cover massage therapy prescriptions even if they do not cover referrals of the same nature.

Otherwise, massage therapy is typically an elective treatment. Insurance companies categorize it with other elective treatments like cosmetic surgery and spa packages.

When Does Insurance Not Cover Massage Therapy?

Health insurance providers will not cover medical massage therapy if it is not medically necessary. Some providers will not offer coverage even if you have a referral or a prescription.

Also, you can’t get health insurance coverage for general massage therapy. In the eyes of health insurers, general massage is for relaxation only. It does not help treat conditions or disorders like medical massage does.

If you aren’t sure whether your insurer covers medically-necessary massages, call your benefits provider. Your benefits manager can tell you if your condition qualifies, your out-of-pocket responsibilities, and your in-network providers.

Which Major Insurance Companies Provide Massage Therapy Insurance Coverage?

The following major insurance providers offer at least some coverage for medically-necessary massage therapy:

• Cigna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• Unified Medical Care (UMC)
• Emperor
• Aetna

Cigna will cover massage therapy sessions for people who are also in physical therapy. UMC only provides coverage for certain plans, so check with your benefits manager to find out if yours is one of them.

Emperor will cover massage therapy if you have a recommendation from a licensed healthcare professional. Aetna will cover massage therapy but will not cover the whole cost of this treatment.

If you have BCBS, your plan may or may not cover massage therapy. To find out for sure, get in touch with your benefits manager.

Finally, Medicare may cover massage therapy for edema, joint immobility, and muscle spasms. You must have a recommendation from a licensed physical therapist or occupational therapist. You must also receive another treatment on the same day.

Do You Need Massage Therapy in Omaha, NE?

Most healthcare insurers do not offer massage therapy insurance unless a doctor deems it medically-necessary. But the good news is that general massage is an affordable alternative to medical massage therapy.

Are you searching for the best place to relax and unwind? Faces Spa in Omaha, Nebraska, offers a variety of services, including individual and couples massages.

Book an appointment online or give us a call at (402) 384-8400 to benefit from some of these amazing results.