Yet insurance companies turn a blind eye to these therapies while pouring billions into pharmaceutical-based treatments for those recovering from injuries or illnesses.

The state legislature has already passed AB 2287 this year, which would allow acupuncture to be covered as a form of treatment under the workers' compensation system. It is awaiting the governor's signature (to urge Gov. Schwarzenegger to sign the bill, write to him here).

Whenever and wherever alternative therapies, including acupuncture and massage therapies, are prescribed by a physician, it must be covered by insurance companies like any other treatment, both by private insurance providers or by public insurance providers like Medi-Cal or Medicare.

As Insurance Commissioner, Larry Cafiero pledges to make this issue a top priority during his term in office.

For this campaign's position on insurance companies paying for physican-prescribed medical marijuana, go here.

Got an issue?

The preceding item outlines one of the main issues: Led by the Green Party's 10 Key Values, the Greens and Larry Cafiero have a variety of other issues dealing with insurance matters. Do you have an issue you'd like addressed? E-mail the candidate here.

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