Acupuncture & Insurance Coverage in Iowa City
At Insight Acupuncture, we help you make sense of insurance coverage and reimbursement options for acupuncture care.
Patients Under 65
Most Iowa health plans do not reimburse acupuncture directly. We do not directly bill insurance, but we make out-of-network reimbursement easy:
- We provide detailed invoices after each visit.
- Call your insurer to confirm if acupuncture is reimbursable.
Patients Over 65 (Medicare & Medicare Advantage)
Some AARP and UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement plans include acupuncture benefits. Because coverage details change annually, please confirm before scheduling.
Medicare & Acupuncture
Since January 2021, Medicare covers acupuncture only for chronic low back pain and only when performed by an approved provider. Licensed Acupuncturists are not yet recognized Medicare providers.
Veterans (VA Community Care)
We’re proud to serve Veterans through the VA Community Care Program. Request a referral from your VA provider, once approved, your treatments at Insight Acupuncture are fully covered.
Plans That Sometimes Reimburse
Some national plans reimburse acupuncture (often out-of-network), including UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Cigna. Call your insurer for details.
Coverage at a Glance
| Insurance Type | Covers Acupuncture? | What You Do |
|---|---|---|
| Private Insurance | Typically out-of-network | Pay at visit; submit invoice |
| Medicare | Low Back Pain only | Pay at visit; ubmit invoice |
| VA Community Care | Covered with referral | Request VA referral |
NEW 2025 Insurance Reimbursement for Acupuncture
Many Aetna Medicare Advantage patients receive partial reimbursement for acupuncture treatments. Insight Acupuncture provides detailed receipts (Superbills) with CPT and diagnostic codes that you can submit directly to your plan for potential reimbursement.
“You pay at the time of service, and we’ll give you an insurance-ready receipt. Most Aetna Medicare Advantage patients get 40–60% reimbursed once they file it.”
Every plan is different, so please check with your Aetna representative for specific details about your coverage.