Should Medicare/Medicaid Cover Alternative Medicine? Abstract The issue of whether Medicare/Medicaid should cover alternative and complimentary medicines is widely debated in the healthcare and scientific communities. The main reason is because the effectiveness of most alternative treatments typically have not been proven. Spending in the area of alternative medicine has increased since the 1950’s, but since most treatments are not covered by Medicare / Medicaid, the expenses are paid out of pocket. The best possible solution for this negotiation would be for the AMA to provide the funds to clinically test the effectiveness of alternative treatments. Then Medicare / Medicaid would be more inclined to cover the treatments. Negotiators American Medical Association (AMA)- opposes Medicare/Medicaid coverage of alternative medicine, while the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine supports it. The National Institutes of Health is the mediator. National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)- supports more coverage for education about alternative and complimentary medicine. National Institutes of Health (NIH)- moderating. Objective Criteria In 1987, the US public spent up to $47 billion on alternative treatments, of which $20 billion was spent out of pocket. 12% of Fortune 500 companies offer compensation for alternative medicine as part of their health care package. Several different insurance companies offer varying levels of coverage for alternative medicine such as Blue Cross / Blue Shield, American, Prudential, and Mutual of Omaha. Medicaid has already adopted very basic levels of coverage for alternative medicine. Introduction Alternative medicine encompasses such practices as acupuncture, transcendental meditation, herbal supplements, homeopathy, thermogenic therapy, and biofeedback. Complimentary medicine uses a combination of practices like these, along with traditional medicine. According to the NIH, 36% of the adults in the US use some form of alternative or complimentary medicine. Both sides would agree that their greatest interest is public health. Both sides want to supply information and advice to patients that they find to be effective treatment. However, the AMA debates the legitimacy of alternative medicine and practitioners of alternative medicine argue that they are not given support. In WI, Medicare/Medicaid patients pay %100 for any alternative treatment they receive. Common Interests To promote healthcare that is proven and effective, and provides the best possible care for patients. To maintain current and up to date medical practices Cost effective treatment Interests for the AMA To promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health To Provide proven, regulated treatment to patients Interests for the NCCAM To promote the use of alternative medicine and train healthcare professionals to provide best patient care. To educate about the benefits of alternative medicine including lower prices and fewer side affects. Possible treatment for terminal or chronic illnesses To make alternative medicine more readily available by cost reduction Options Better testing of alternative medicine to determine their effectiveness and produce a strong database for total treatment possibilities. Conducting surveys to find the demands and needs of the public from their healthcare providers. Further training for doctors in the area of alternative medicine, which is not currently emphasized in medical schools. Better federal funding so that insurance companies can be required to provide coverage for proven treatment. References Claire Hagerty AJ Aldous Jake Chapnick