Consumer Financial Issues in Complementary and Alternative Medicine - What are Alternative Treatments

Written by National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (see "Resources"), formerly the Health Care Financing Administration, administers the Medicare and Medicaid programs:

• Medicare is insurance for older persons and persons with disabilities. As of 2002, it includes some limited coverage of chiropractic services. Other CAM insurance coverage is under consideration.

• Medicaid, a joint Federal-state program, is for people who need financial assistance for medical expenses. States may choose to provide optional Medicaid health care services, which could include CAM, in addition to required Medicaid services.

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Also available through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which expands health coverage to uninsured children in working families that earn too much for Medicaid but too little to afford private coverage.

The Federal Government also provides states and communities with various funds to assist needy persons, including for medical care. To find out more about these benefits and whether you are eligible, contact your state or local department of social services. These departments are listed in the "Government" section of your phone book.

Some persons have inquired whether they can receive CAM treatments or financial assistance for treatments from NCCAM. Given its mission of research, training, and disseminating information, NCCAM does not provide financial assistance or treatment to consumers. As part of its research, NCCAM does conduct clinical trials of some CAM treatments (to find out more, go to nccam.nih.gov/clinicaltrials, or contact the NCCAM Clearinghouse; see "Resources").

13. Are CAM services deductible on my income tax?

As of 2002, the IRS allows a limited number of deductibles for CAM services and products (see "Resources"). Top

14. Can you suggest any other resources?

If treatment (whether CAM or conventional) for a disease or condition creates a financial crisis for you and your family, you may wish to try the following for more information:

• If you receive care at a hospital or clinic, that facility may have a social worker or patient advocate who can advise you.

• You may also find it helpful to contact nonprofit organizations that work on your disease or medical condition (try an Internet search or check directories at your local library).

15.Resources

Web sites for the resources below are given where available, but you may also call or write for information.

NCCAM Clearinghouse

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226
International: 301-519-3153
TTY (for deaf or hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov
Web site: www.nccam.nih.gov
Address: NCCAM Clearinghouse,
P.O. Box 7923,
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-7923
Fax: 1-866-464-3616
Fax-on-Demand service: 1-888-644-6226