HR 646 Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act - Needs Your Support

There is an important bill in the US House of Representatives which would include acupuncture within the medicare program.  The passing of this bill would free the way for acupuncture coverage by other insurers to enable greater access to acupuncture across the US.  

The bill is HR 646 - Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act of 2009.  Passing would Amend part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and federal civil service law relating to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program to cover qualified acupuncturist services.

If you are interested in helping pass this bill, you need to contact your local representatives.  Tuesday June 23rd, 2009, Tuesday July 7th, 2009, or Tuesday July 21st, 2009 you can help flood the phone lines by contacting your political representatives and asking them to support this bill.  If you don't know who they are - the following websites will be helpful:

• House of Representatives Website - (see top left corner to search for your area) then ask him or her to co-sponsor HR 646.
• United States Senate Website - (use menu at top to search for your area) then ask him or her to co-sponsor HR 646.
• Contact President Obama directly (202) 456-1111 and ask him to include HR 646 in the Healthcare Reform Act.

When: JUNE 23, 2009 – the phone lines are open for HR 646!  Help the Nation Flood The Phone Lines on Tuesday July 7th, 2009 and Tuesday July 21st, 2009
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
How: Identify your representative. Then pick up the phone and call. Request that HR 646 be placed in Obama’s healthcare reform package. Our patients deserve the right to access and the right to choose AOM as a healthcare modality!

EDUCATE YOURSELF: Before calling, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the bill.
 

• HR 646 bill content: (Authored by: Congressman Maurice Hinchey) - (Read Bill)
• Hinchey 2009 update on HR 646 Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act 2009 Fact Sheet.

SAMPLE LETTER THAT YOU CAN EDIT AND SEND TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVE:

 

Example Draft for Grassroots Letter Campaign of U.S. Health Care Reform Bill

*This is an example only, please personalize*

(Please type your name and address here)

(Date)

To: (Please type recipient’s name and address here)

RE: Petition for Including Acupuncture in the U.S. Health Care Reform Bill

Honorable (Recipient’s title and name here):

I am writing this letter to ask for your support for the inclusion of acupuncture as a part of primary medical services to be covered in the U.S. Health Care Reform Plan.

It is well known that acupuncture is a safe, successful and cost-effective primary health care protocol, and a primary health care system that is routinely utilized by millions of Americans. Clinical studies have proved that to include Acupuncture as a source of primary health care will significantly increase the quality of medical care and markedly reduce conventional medical cost. Inclusion of Acupuncture in the U.S. Health Care Reform plan clearly meets the specific goal of President Obama’s health care reform and is in keeping with the best interest of Americans.

My personal experience with acupuncture…(personal experiences adds to the letter, but it is up to your discretion)

Thank you for your considering my opinion.

Sincerely,

 

(Type your name and professional title (if you have one) here)
(Type your contact information including email, and phone number here)