Here is a step-by-step guide to receiving massage therapy covered by your health insurance. Many health plans in Portland, Oregon include this fantastic benefit that supports general health and physical rehabilitation. I am happy to help you through this often tricky process and I work with a team of professional medical billers to ensure it goes smoothly. 

The following plans are in-network or accepted by Bear Heart Integrated Bodywork:

• Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon

• Providence

• Moda

• I am not in-network for UnitedHealthcare but can still bill as an out-of-network provider

• Flex Spending or Health Savings cards (FSA and HSA)

• Auto Insurance/Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA)

• Worker’s Compensation

At this time, I am unable to bill any other health plans that are not included in this list. 

A few important things to note before scheduling a massage covered by health insurance:

• Plans can change every year.

• Some plans require preauthorization and/or a prescription from a diagnosing health provider (ex: primary care provider, physical therapist, chiropractor, etc). 

• Some plans do not require any prescription. 

• Some plans will only cover massage if it is done in the office of a chiropractor or physical therapist.

• Some plans will only cover massage if your deductible is already met. 

Information to gather from your health plan before your first session:

Because every health plan’s benefits are different for therapeutic massage, I highly suggest calling your health insurance company prior to scheduling an appointment. Here are specific helpful questions to ask and write down:

• Is massage therapy included in my healthcare coverage?

• Can this be performed by a licensed massage therapist NOT working under a physical therapist or chiropractor?

• Do I need a prescription, referral, or preauthorization? 

• Is massage subject to the deductible? What is my individual deductible?

• What is my copay or coinsurance per massage session?

• How many total visits do I have for massage?

• Is the number of visits shared with any other healthcare services such as acupuncture, physical therapy, or chiropractic? 

• Can I have your name and reference number for our call? (Write this down for your records.)

* Unfortunately, authorization of coverage and/or a quote of benefits does not guarantee payment. Payment of benefits is subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the member’s health insurance at the time of service.*

If your health plan requires a prescription from a diagnosing healthcare provider, here is a handy sample form to bring to your appointment in case they are unfamiliar with prescribing massage therapy. 

Final steps:

After calling your insurance to verify your benefits for therapeutic massage, please email me to request forms for your health insurance information. This is important in order for me to bill our session properly and so I can also verify your specific coverage before our appointment. 

Then feel free to schedule our first session here!

Information about billing your FSA or HSA account:

• I encourage you to call your benefits administrator to ensure massage therapy is an allowable expense. Your payment may be declined if this expense is not preauthorized. 

• Your account may require a letter of medical necessity or a prescription from a healthcare provider (see optional prescription form above).

• They may also require a detailed receipt per appointment. Please ask your administrator if this is required and let me know if so. 

• Once you are all set up, feel free to book your appointment here and use your FSA/HSA info for the card on file so I can directly charge it after your first session.