{"id":47393,"date":"2022-08-17T17:02:09","date_gmt":"2022-08-17T15:02:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pharma-trend.com\/en\/community-health-plan-of-washington-chpw-launches-first-of-its-kind-comprehensive-alternative-treatments-benefit-package\/"},"modified":"2022-08-17T17:02:09","modified_gmt":"2022-08-17T15:02:09","slug":"community-health-plan-of-washington-chpw-launches-first-of-its-kind-comprehensive-alternative-treatments-benefit-package","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pharma-trend.com\/en\/community-health-plan-of-washington-chpw-launches-first-of-its-kind-comprehensive-alternative-treatments-benefit-package\/","title":{"rendered":"Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW) Launches First-Of-Its-Kind Comprehensive Alternative Treatments Benefit Package"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nNew benefit empowers Apple Health (Medicaid) members to use less costly, non-invasive treatments for chronic pain as they choose<\/i>\n<\/p>\n

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SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Community Health Plan of Washington:\n<\/p>\n

\nSummary<\/b>\n<\/p>\n

\nCommunity Health Plan of Washington (CHPW) is Washington State\u2019s first and only Medicaid carrier to offer its members a comprehensive, flexible Alternative Treatments benefit package of a combined 20 acupuncture, chiropractic and massage therapy visits. With this package, CHPW Medicaid members now have coverage for non-invasive treatment options to manage chronic pain and other conditions like headaches, allergies, anxiety and depression. CHPW members can decide how and where they want to use these treatments and can see any licensed Washington provider without the need for prior authorization from either their primary care provider (PCP) or CHPW. The Alternative Treatments benefit, which costs CHPW members nothing, is aligned with the health plan\u2019s approach of supporting all aspects of its members\u2019 health and well-being (physical, mental, behavioral, social and environmental needs). CHPW\u2019s offering is unique in serving Medicaid recipients, providing access to these alternative health services typically found only in commercial health insurance plans. It is also unmatched in recognizing that many cultures value these three treatments as traditional medicine.\n<\/p>\n

\nStory<\/b>\n<\/p>\n

\nWith CHPW\u2019s first-of-its-kind Alternative Treatments benefit package, its Medicaid members now have more non-invasive and drug-free treatment options to help relieve conditions like headaches, allergies, back pain, anxiety and depression. The package offers members 20 no-cost visits for acupuncture, chiropractic and massage therapy.\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cThis benefit package is a way for Community Health Plan of Washington to provide lower cost options for addressing pain than more invasive treatments like spinal injections or surgery and safer options than prescribing opioids or other pain management prescriptions,\u201d said Dr. Paul Sherman, Chief Medical Officer for CHPW.\n<\/p>\n

\nNow, CHPW members receiving Medicaid have the flexibility and choice to allocate 20 visits across the three treatments as they deem necessary. This allows individuals the opportunity to stick with these alternative treatment plans for a longer-term course of therapy and use what they find to be most effective. Additionally, members can choose to see any licensed Washington provider of these services and do not need prior authorization from their primary care provider (PCP) or CHPW.\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cCHPW is a partner in our members\u2019 health journeys \u2013 listening and supporting them \u2013 because they know their health best,\u201d said Dr. Sherman. \u201cWe\u2019ve worked hard to empower people from all communities and backgrounds to have more options so they can meet their own health needs and those of their families. While CHPW is a leader in offering this Alternative Treatments benefit for Washington Medicaid members, it is another step in our journey to break down barriers to care.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

\nCHPW introduced the Alternative Treatments benefit as part of its commitment to meeting the holistic needs of the diverse communities it serves and based on feedback from its members, its provider network of Community Health Centers (CHCs), and in consultation with chiropractors, acupuncturists and massage therapists to better understand the needs of their patients in offering an effective treatment plan. Typically, alternative treatments are found in commercial health insurance plans, but CHPW is now bringing these options to its Medicaid recipients, many of whom identify with minoritized communities in which acupuncture, chiropractic and massage therapies are traditionally and culturally valued.\n<\/p>\n

\nIn addition to leading the charge to offer alternative treatments as an option for Washington Medicaid members, CHPW\u2019s Washington-based staff works in all communities to support members with other necessities like housing and food access<\/a> and has case managers to guide them every step.\n<\/p>\n

\nWith revolutionary benefits and ongoing, community-level support, CHPW is continuing to advocate for Medicaid members to be the decision-makers in their health care.\n<\/p>\n

\nRelevant Links<\/b>\n<\/p>\n