Jan 1, 2016 - New York City and Nassau County. Prescription drug coverage because you already have dependable coverage. PREFACE The Healthfirst Medicaid Managed Care and Child Health Plus Formulary is a list of drugs which are covered by our plan, as well as any restrictions. These are what we call preferred drugs.This list includes brand-name drugs and generic drugs. These drugs are dispensed through participating pharmacies.
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All payment was denied even though the acupuncturist was licensed by the State Department of Education.
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Under its current policy, Medicaid, a state program that pays the cost of health care for the poor, has reimbused New York City hospitals and doctors for the acupuncture treatment of more than 3,000 drug addicts. Acupuncture has been found to reduce the addicts' craving for drugs. The treatment is also receiving growing medical acceptance as a way to alleviate chronic pain. In China, where the first textbook on acupuncture was written more than 2,000 years ago, the therapy, which involves inserting needles into specific areas of the body, is widely accepted for treating a variety of ailments and diseases.
Private Insurer's Policy
Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the state's largest private health insurer, follows the same State Health Department policy and pays for acupuncture only when it is performed by a physician certified to practice it.
Medicare, the Federal health program for the elderly, does not pay for acupuncture treatment.
In the decision, Justice Gangel-Jacob said arguments by the state and New York City social services officials that Mr. Gabai did not qualify for Medicaid payments were neither 'rational' nor 'humane.'
'Social legislation must be interpreted and enforced in a reasonable and humane manner,' she said.
Roberta Certner, a licensed acupuncturist and head of the New York State Association for Practicing Acupuncturists, said she was pleased with the ruling.
She said there were 163 licensed practitioners in the state who are required to have at least 10 years of experience before being eligible for a Department of Education license. Physicians are required to have only 300 hours of instruction before being certified.