Acupuncture in Medi-Cal: Saved Again

Acupuncture has once again secured its place as a covered service within Medi-Cal, California's vital healthcare program, following persistent efforts to preserve its status. This isn't the first time acupuncture faced removal; it was inaccessible to Medi-Cal recipients from 2009-2016, and the profession has fought a "perpetual battle" to maintain its role ever since. Most recently, despite Governor Newsom proposing its removal in the 2024-25 budget, both the California Assembly and Senate agreed to keep it.Senator Scott Wiener, Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, championed acupuncture, underscoring its "critical health care tool" for chronic pain management and other health needs. He highlighted its potential to save money long-term by preventing reliance on "dangerously addictive opioids". The decision brought a "collective sigh of relief" to California acupuncturists and the Medi-Cal patients who benefit from this valuable care. This ongoing success underscores the collaborative advocacy efforts that have repeatedly swayed legislative decisions and protected patient access to this essential treatment.