Acupuncture $23 off - limit 10 per customer per year acupuncture, medical, services, plan

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http://www.canada.com/vancouvers ... 9f82f6d&k=55347

VICTORIA - B.C. will be the first province to partially cover the cost of acupuncture treatments under its provincial medical plan.

"Acupuncture is recognized worldwide as a safe and effective way to treat or manage a variety of health conditions," B.C. Health Minister George Abbott has announced.

This supplementary benefit will be available to B.C. residents with a combined income of $28,000 or less, according to a news release.

Acupuncture is a medical practice that uses thin sterilized needles under a patient's skin to stimulate acupuncture points. It is usually used to treat various ailments, including migraines, lower back pain and nausea.

Residents will be reimbursed $23 per visit to a registered acupuncturist, and will be covered for up to 10 visits a year, the news release said.

The Medical Services Plan also provides coverage for visits to physiotherapists, naturopaths, chiropractors, massage therapists and non-surgical podiatrists.

There are more than 1,200 registered acupuncturists in B.C.

The new coverage will be effective April 1.