Private Health Insurance Reconsiders Coverage of Seven Complementary Therapies

Private health insurance may soon cover seven complementary therapies that were previously excluded. These therapies include movement practices like Pilates, yoga, tai chi, and the Alexander technique, along with naturopathy, shiatsu, and Western herbal medicine. The recommendations stem from a review led by former Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd, with input from various committees.

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The review evaluated 16 natural therapies that were prohibited from private health insurance coverage. While nine therapies remained on the prohibited list due to lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness, seven were recommended for re-inclusion based on moderate certainty of their clinical effectiveness for certain health outcomes and conditions.

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These reassessments come after the initial prohibition of these therapies in 2019, following a 2015 review that questioned their clinical efficacy. Concerns were raised about the review methods not accurately capturing the evidence, leading to a more thorough evaluation this time around.

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The process involved the National Health and Medical Research Council convening research experts to ensure a robust review. An advisory panel was also established to incorporate perspectives from natural therapy experts and consumers. Transparency was emphasized, with all review processes made available online.

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Despite the recommendations, the final decision lies with the health minister to approve the inclusion of these therapies in private health insurance coverage. Insurers may choose to cover these therapies, but it won’t be mandatory. Ongoing evaluations will determine the future inclusion of natural therapies in private health coverage.

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Improving research and practice in natural therapies is crucial, as highlighted by the review. Issues such as quality and reporting inconsistencies in research need to be addressed to enhance the credibility and effectiveness of these therapies. Strengthening research practices can help identify the role of these therapies beyond private insurance coverage.

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With over half of Australians using some form of natural therapy, an evidence-based approach is essential to ensure the efficacy and safety of these practices. The evolving landscape of complementary therapies in health care underscores the importance of continuous research, evaluation, and improvement in the field.