HD32 - Mandated Coverage for Acupuncture Treatments Administered by a Physician (House Bill 2452, 1997)

  • Published: 1998
  • Author: Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits
  • Enabling Authority: Code of Virginia - § 9-298

Executive Summary:
During the 1997 Session of the General Assembly, the House Committee on Corporations, Insurance and Banking referred House Bill 2452 to the Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits (Advisory Commission). House Bill 2452 was patroned by Delegate Robert Tata.

The Advisory Commission held a hearing on August 27, 1997, in Richmond to receive public comments on House Bill 2452. In addition to the patron, fourteen speakers addressed the proposals. Five physicians, three licensed acupuncturists, and four patients spoke in favor of the bill. Representatives of the Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA) and the Virginia Association of Health Maintenance Organizations (VAHMO) spoke in opposition to the measure. In addition, written comments in support of the bill were provided by the Acupuncture Society of Virginia (ASVA), the Virginia Pain Clinic, two physicians, and eight patients. The VAHMO, Virginia Manufacturers Association, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield submitted comments in opposition to House Bill 2452. The Advisory Commission concluded its review of House Bill 2452 on September 17, 1997.