Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW) covers acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic treatment for all Apple Health (Medicaid) members.
Many people find these treatments especially effective in treating chronic pain and stress. This could mean pain from a back injury, stress, migraines, or pain related to pregnancy and childbirth.
These benefits are provided in addition to what you get from Apple Health.
How does the benefit work?
CHPW members of all ages can get up to 20 acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic visits per year.
You do not need a referral or prior authorization to use this benefit. You can see any licensed provider in Washington.
Number of visits per year
| Members under age 21 | Members age 21+ | |
| Acupuncture | Up to 20 visits per year | Up to 20 visits per year |
| Chiropractic | Covered directly by Apple Health | Up to 20 visits per year |
| Massage* | Up to 20 visits per year | Up to 20 visits per year |
Note that this is a combined 20 visits. For example, a 24-year-old member could use this benefit for 10 massage visits, 5 chiropractic visits, and 5 acupuncture visits.
If you’d like more information about using your benefits, please call Customer Service.
*Massage visits are based on session length of 30 minutes. A one-hour massage would count as two visits. Optional tipping is not included in coverage.
What can massage, chiropractic, and acupuncture treat?
Alternative treatments may help with some types of pain and stress. These include:
- Arthritis
- Dental pain
- Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines
- Anxiety and depression
- Fatigue (lack of energy or motivation)
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Muscle, bone, or joint pain
Are alternative treatments right for me?
Massage therapy, chiropractic services, and/or acupuncture could be right for you if any of the following describe how you feel about your health:
- “I experience chronic pain.”
- “I’m constantly stressed out.”
- “I’m worried about taking opiates for my pain. I don’t want to get addicted.”
- “Is there a treatment that’s less invasive than surgery?”
- “I just had a baby or am pregnant, and I want a way to treat my pain that doesn’t involve medication or injections.”
Ask your provider whether a condition you face can be addressed with alternative pain treatments.
