MA H1148

Creates a Commission on Acupuncture and Wellness within the Department of Public Health to study integrating acupuncture services into Massachusetts healthcare, with focus on pain management, substance abuse treatment, and wellness promotion

Mandates insurance coverage for acupuncture and oriental medicine-based treatment for pain management, PTSD, substance abuse, and nausea across all individual and group health plans in Massachusetts

Extends coverage requirements to hospital service plans, medical service agreements, HMOs, and the Group Insurance Commission for state employees

Requires equal reimbursement rates for acupuncture services regardless of provider type, limiting reimbursement to licensed acupuncturists and medical doctors only

Commission must submit initial report within 6 months of enactment and annually thereafter with findings and legislative recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services