June 2005

Chiropractic TRICARE bill aimed at military dependents, retirees

Legislation introduced by Rep. Jeb Bradley (R‑NH) would make chiropractic benefits available to approximately eight million military dependents and retirees covered by the federal TRICARE health system.

Officially titled "Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Retirees and Dependents Act," HR 1594 was the result of lobbying efforts by the Chiropractic Coalition and appears to already be generating support within Congress.

Rep. Bradley discussed the bill during his presentation at the Chiropractic Coalition Legislative Day in Washington, DC, last month and was recognized by the Chiropractic Coalition as one of "America's Most Outstanding Public Servants." He was presented with a statue of America's first President, George Washington.

"The chiropractic profession is very fortunate to have legislators like Representative Bradley, who know our profession and the unique benefits we can provide in a highly effective and low‑cost manner," said ICA Board member Dr. Gary Walsemann of New Hampshire. "As a citizen of New Hampshire and as a doctor of chiropractic, I am very proud of Rep. Bradley and truly appreciative of his vision and dedication for all citizens, as well as his support for chiropractors and chiropractic patients."

The bill calls for the inclusion of chiropractic services and specifies that those services may be provided only by a doctor of chiropractic, and that "a covered beneficiary may select and have direct access to a doctor of chiropractic without referral by another health practitioner." The bill provides for implementation of the plan to begin no later than December 31, 2005.

The term "chiropractic services" is defined in the bill as "includ(ing) the diagnosis (including by diagnostic X‑ray tests ), correction, and management of vertebral subluxations or neuromusculoskeletal conditions, and such other chiropractic services determined appropriate by the Secretary" and "does not include the use of drugs or surgery."

"It is absolutely critical that the eight million people covered by TRICARE be granted the same rights as the rest of the American population, including the availability of chiropractic services," stated Terry A. Rondberg, DC, WCA president. "It's also one way to reduce health care costs in the system."

He noted, however, that the bill will likely face some opposition, particularly by the medical profession that may continue to try to paint chiropractic as a more expensive alternative to medical treatment or as a semi‑medical therapy.

"It's vital that all doctors of chiropractic in the US contact their legislators and urge them to co‑sponsor HR 1594," he stated. Because of security concerns, it is best for doctors to e‑mail or call their Representatives. Contact information can be located on the Internet at www.house.gov or www.congress.org. The World Chiropractic Alliance (www.worldchiropracticalliance.org) and the Chiropractic Coalition (www.chiropracticcoalition.org) will post sample letters at their websites. Doctors can use these letters as models but should personalize them as much as possible when contacting their lawmakers.