Consumer Financial Issues in Complementary and Alternative Medicine - CAM Insurance Coverage

Written by National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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Insurance Commissioners' Offices

To locate the insurance commissioner's office for your state (or for D.C. or the U.S. Territories):
(1) If you have access to the Internet, go to www.consumeraction.gov/insurance.shtml.
(2) If you don't have access to the Internet, consult the "State Government" section of your phone book or inquire with directory assistance. Note that the insurance commissioner or regulator's office can have different names in different states, such as the [Name of State] Insurance Administration (or Division or Department). Each office has a toll-free consumer assistance number.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

The IRS is the nation's tax collection agency. Publications include:

"Introduction to Cafeteria Plans," which includes a chapter on FSAs. This document is online at:
www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/intro_to_cafeteria_plans_doc.pdf.
Publication 553, "Highlights of 2003 Tax Changes," which was revised in January 2004 and includes information on HSAs. This document is online at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p553.pdf.
Publication 502, "Medical and Dental Expenses," on tax deductions for medical costs. This document is online at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf. As of 2003, potentially deductible costs include some CAM therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and osteopathy.

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-800-829-1040
Web site: www.irs.ustreas.gov

Social Security Administration (SSA)

The SSA administers benefits under two programs, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program.

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-800-772-1213
TTY (for deaf or hard-of-hearing callers): 1-800-325-0778
Web site: www.ssa.gov

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy in this information is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

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