Momentum - Spring 2012

Matters

ask their employer or health plan administrator about is a “rider,” in which people buy additional insurance coverage specifically for CAM. Some health plans offer discounted programs enabling subscribers to pay for CAM services out of pocket, but at a discount that the insurer has pre-negotiated with participating providers.

Self-pay options

Some employers offer flexible spending accounts, or FSAs, which allow employees to set aside pretax dollars for “qualified” medical expenses, which range from major surgery to acupuncture. Generally, medical expenses that qualify are the same as those that qualify for a medical tax deduction. The IRS publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses, available at

www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502
.pdf, can provide more details.

In an FSA, money is deducted from a person’s salary before any taxes are taken out. So, someone who sets aside $1,500 will save more than $400 a year. Through 2012, the maximum amount a person can put into an FSA is $5,000 per year. Health spending accounts, or HSAs, offer similar savings and are available to people who participate in high-deductible health plans.

Communicate and plan ahead Another option is to ask CAM providers if they offer payment plans or discounts for paying upfront or in cash. People can

also set up a treatment plan beforehand so they know exactly how many treatments they’ll be receiving (see Before starting CAM at right). This allows them to plan financially for specific services.

“You can also save money by using in-network providers, asking for the generic form of medications and taking advantage of employee wellness programs that offer discounts on gym memberships and stress-relief programs,” Calder said.

In some cases, you may even be able to argue that a CAM treatment is medically necessary, provided that treatment isn’t specifically excluded in your policy. Ask health plan administrators about their process for filing an appeal. And visit nationalMSsociety.org/ healthinsuranceappeals for information on how to appeal claims that have been denied by insurers.

Community services
There may be community-based
providers in your area that offer
services such as yoga, massage
and acupuncture. “Ask your
health-care provider if they
know of any reduced-price or
donation-based clinics,” Erickson
said. “These types of clinics
are more wellness- and client-
focused, and they’re becoming
much more prevalent throughout
the United States.” In some cases,
people can actually name their
price or donation.

Before starting CAM

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests asking potential CAM providers the following questions at the initial consultation:

■ Cost: How much is the first appointment? How much are follow-up appointments? How many appointments are needed? Are there any additional costs for tests, equipment or supplements?

■ Insurance: Do you accept my insurance plan? What has been your experience with my plan’s coverage for this type of treatment? Do I file claims, or will your office handle that?

■ Payment options: Can you arrange a payment plan over time? Do you offer a sliding-scale fee based on income and ability to pay?

Still having trouble funding complementary and alternative therapies? Call 1-800-344- 4867 to ask an MS Navigator® about community providers and organizations in the area— including your Society chapter. ■