What TCM Costs and Whether Insurance Covers It

Prices: what we can and cannot say

We could not find a reliable, national source for what TCM visits, herbs or treatments cost, so this page gives no prices. Fees vary by practitioner, place and what is included. Ask for a written estimate before starting, including visit length, how many visits are expected and what herbs or products would add. See How to Choose a TCM Practitioner.

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

Some health insurance policies cover acupuncture and others do not, and coverage is often limited by the condition. [1] NCCIH reports that the share of adult acupuncturist visits with any insurance coverage rose from 41.1 percent in 2010 to 2011 to 50.2 percent in 2018 to 2019 in a national survey. [1] California's board also says many insurers cover acupuncture, while a referral may or may not be required. [2]

Medicare and Medicaid (US)

• Medicare Part B covers acupuncture only for chronic low back pain: up to 12 treatments in 90 days, with 8 more if you improve, for a maximum of 20 in 12 months. [3]
• After the deductible you pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount. [3]
• Medicare cannot pay licensed acupuncturists directly. The provider must be a doctor or another provider such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant who has an ACAHM-accredited master's or doctoral degree and a full state license. [3]
• Medicaid coverage of acupuncture varies from state to state. [1]

This was read on 2026-10-22; rules change, so confirm on Medicare.gov. For the back-pain research, see Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain and Neck Pain.

Herbs, cupping and other services

We did not find a source describing insurance coverage for Chinese herbs, tui na, moxibustion or cupping, so we make no claim. Herbs are often sold by the practitioner or a pharmacy; ask whether they are included in a fee and whether your plan reimburses them.

Questions to ask your insurer

NCCIH suggests asking if the approach is covered for your health condition, whether you must see an in-network practitioner and whether out-of-network care is covered. [4] Coverage for these approaches is more likely to be partial than full, so confirm before booking. [4] Keep notes on calls and copies of bills and claims. [4]

NCCAOM's brochure says certification status can be verified to insurers that require it for reimbursement, so ask whether your plan requires a particular credential. [5]

Related pages

TCM Qualifications, Licensing and Medical Care and Acupuncture Session: First Appointment.