Time Is Critical – Contact Your Rep By June 30th
The Massachusetts 192nd legislative session ends soon. It is exciting to know that through everyone’s work, this has moved forward more steps than ever before – the finish line is in sight. If you haven’t already, please email your state representative(s) now using the sample below. Your voice can make a huge difference for our profession and for the patients that we treat.
Updated Status of Bill H1179 – Just A Bit Further…
We have good news from the State House. H1179 – An Act relative to the practice of acupuncture, filed by State Rep. Smitty Pignatelli, is on the move! The joint committee on health care financing reported favorably legislation requiring health plans to cover acupuncture services for pain, PTSD, nausea and substance use disorder. We need a positive vote on the house floor so then the house and senate bills are merged, voted on in the senate and then hopefully go before the governor to sign. This advance is the product of years of effort and now’s the time for the final push to help get this in front of the Governor.
What to Write
Dear Representative ____________:
My name is ___________ and I’m a constituent in your district. I’m writing to request that you reach out to Chairman Aaron Michlewitz and House Leadership and ask them to bring H1179 – An Act Relative to the Practice of Acupuncture to the House floor for a vote before the end of formal sessions in July.
Acupuncture is now covered by all Medicaid plans in the Commonwealth and I support H1179 so that the largest plan that covers all state employees and UMass students can cover acupuncture as well.
This legislation was filed in the House by Rep. Pignatelli. It provides for expanded access to acupuncture treatment for pain, substance use disorder, PTSD and nausea. Each of these conditions have been proven effective in evidence-based, peer-reviewed studies. Many patients across the Commonwealth are seeking non-pharmaceutical treatment options for pain and substance use issues. This bill, if passed, would provide that opportunity state-wide in a cost-effective manner.
This is important to me individually and in my community. I hope that you will co-sponsor an Act relative to the treatment of acupuncture. Thank you for your attention and consideration.
Mr./Ms. ______________________________
Address
Find Your Representative
To find the contact information for your representative, follow the link below and insert your address. https://malegislature.gov/
Ask Your Patients to Help
Your patients can contact their representative too. Give your patients this PDF that has complete instructions and email template.
We will keep you updated!
The ASM thanks everyone who has helped to support this important effort. Together we can make a difference.