Is complementary health care included in most health benefit plans?
Historically, complementary health care has not been covered by traditional health insurance plans. But more and more, consumers are seeking out health care options that go beyond traditional medical care. These same consumers want to experience a greater sense of empowerment in making health care decisions, along with maintaining greater control over their own health. In many cases, offering the opportunity to explore less invasive treatments is a key component of meeting this consumer demand. Today, some specialty insurers, HMOs, and other organizations provide coverage for this care. Progressive employers recognize this growing demand and are embracing services as lower-cost “complements” to traditional employee benefit packages. In an era of benefit takeaways, higher deductibles, and increased employee copays, complementary health care allows employers to offer a new benefit with a high perceived value for a cost that is usually just 1–2 percent of an employer’s total health care p
