Does Insurance Cover Massage Therapy?

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Do you need massage therapy for a back or neck injury? Is paying for it becoming a hassle? Will your insurance cover massage therapy?

The cost of massage therapy may be well worth it to you. Massages help decrease pain and increase energy levels, making you more productive. Your may find your weekly massage becomes an integral part of your self-care routine.

Yet, massage therapy bills can add a real strain to your monthly budget. Is there any way to get your insurance provider to cover some or all of your treatment price?

Here’s what you need to know about insurance and massage therapy.

Does Insurance Cover Massage Therapy?

Not all insurance companies cover massage therapy. In many cases, your reason for getting the massage will determine whether or not it’s covered by insurance.

If your back massage is considered medically necessary, for example, your insurance may cover some or all of the cost. This may also be true if your massage is helping with rehabilitation.

Before you book a massage, call your HR department or reach out to the customer service department at your insurance carrier. Find out if they will cover massages, and if you need a prescription from your doctor.

You’ll also need to find out if the massage treatment has to be deemed medically necessary in order to be covered. If so, you need to find out what the criteria are for this.

In some cases, there may be a deductible or an out-of-pocket cost to you before your insurance kicks in. You’ll want to prepare for this payment before you book a massage.

You’ll also want to find out if there’s a maximum reimbursement per visit. If your massage treatment goes over this amount, you’ll need to be ready to pay the difference.

Your insurance company may also specify the types of massages they’ll cover. You may, for example, get reimbursed for a sports massage but not a hot stone massage. Make sure you get the details of your coverage before you begin a massage therapy routine.

How Else Can I Make Massage Therapy Affordable?

When your insurance doesn’t cover massages or only covers them in part, you may want to look into other options for making them affordable.

Your employer may offer a Health Savings Account (HSA) as part of your health insurance plan. These accounts offer you a tax-sheltered way to put aside money each month, so you’ll be taking home more of your paycheck.

You can then use the money from your HSA to pay for health-related expenses. These may include massages, co-pays, or vision needs.

If your employer doesn’t have HSAs available, you may want to ask about a Flexible Spending Account (FSA.) Like an HSA, these allow you to put aside tax-sheltered money each month that you can use for health-related expenses.

The main difference between an HSA and an FSA is that an HSA is owned by you, and an FSA is owned by your employer. With an HSA, you can rollover any funds you don’t use in one year into the next one.

You may also want to ask your massage therapist about any discounts available. They may, for example, give you a price break if you purchase several massages at once, even if you plan to use them over a period of several weeks or months. Or you may get a discount for being a teacher, service member, or police officer.

Some local massage companies may offer coupons on local websites or give you a percentage off for referring a friend. You may also be able to save money by booking a shorter massage. In some cases, booking at less popular times of the day or year can also save you some cash.

If you have a favorite massage therapist, make sure you sign up for their email list. This way, you can take advantage of any holiday promotions and birthday discounts. 

What Are the Benefits of Massages?

Once folks begin getting regular massages, they may find them difficult to give up, even if they are tough to pay for in the beginning. 

Massages can be used as a natural treatment a number of injuries. These include sprains, strains, and muscle tears.

Massages can encourage better circulation and help to relax your muscles. They can also help deliver much-needed nutrients and oxygen to your organs and soft tissues.

Back injuries from poor posture, neck injuries from an accident, or sports injuries can all benefit from massage therapy as you recover. Massages can reduce stiffness, lessen pain, and promote healing.

Massages can reduce your stress hormones, which can help you sleep better and improve your mood. It can also improve your immune system and help you get sick less often. A reduction in stress can even help you lose weight, which will do wonders for your overall health.

Improving your circulation can help with energy and alertness, which will help you better engage throughout the day. They can also help to lower your blood pressure which will reduce your risk of heart disease.

Massages can treat digestive problems and headaches in addition to injuries. If you suffer from anxiety or insomnia related to stress, massages can also work wonders for you.

Rubbing You the Right Way

Does insurance cover massage therapy? The answer will depend upon your insurance company and your reason for seeking a massage.

However, with a little homework and the right therapist, you could be getting quality massages at an affordable price in no time.

Feel better today. For more information about the healing benefits of massage (or to schedule a session), call (402) 384-8400 today.

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