Rep. Chu Joined By Acupuncture Advocacy Groups to Support Acupuncture for Heroes and Seniors Act

PASADENA, CA – Today, Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27) hosted a press conference where she was joined by California based acupuncture advocacy groups to support H.R. 3849, the Acupuncture for Heroes and Seniors Act. The bill, introduced on October 28, permits members of the uniformed services access to qualified acupuncturist services without the requirement of a referral and requires that acupuncture services be offered to all veterans. The bill also ensures that qualified acupuncturist services are covered by Medicare so that seniors have another effective treatment option available to them. In addition to increasing access, the bill recognizes the important contributions of this medical field and makes acupuncturists eligible for appointments as Commissioned Officers in the Armed Forces and in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Rep. Chu released the following statement:

“Since my time in the California Assembly, I have fought for the acupuncture field. And now, with this year’s Nobel Prize for Medicine acknowledging the benefits of traditional Asian medicine, it is the perfect time to expand access to this effective medical treatment. We know that acupuncture can help with migraines, respiratory disorders, and even side effects from cancer – all without surgery or the risk of addictive pain killers. That is why I introduced this bill, so that our seniors and veterans will be able to access the complete options of vital care they deserve.

“I am honored to have the support of so many dedicated groups and I want to thank the California Acupuncture Medical Association (CAMA), the Council of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Associations (CAOMA), the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM), and the National Guild of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NGAOM), OPEIU Guild #63 for joining me in this effort today. I know we have the support of so many other organizations throughout the country, and it is my hope that we can move quickly to help get this quality care to more people who need it.”