The Economic Impact — Cost-Savings in Chronic Back Pain
A landmark 2026 economic evaluation from the NIH-funded BackInAction trial has transformed insurance coverage policies. The study found that an "enhanced" course of acupuncture (standard sessions plus maintenance) for older adults with chronic low back pain is not just effective—it is cost-saving.
Financial Data: Enhanced acupuncture reduced annual back-pain-related healthcare costs by an average of $491 per participant.
Medicare Alignment: These findings have validated the 2020 Medicare decision to cover acupuncture, proving that providing maintenance sessions actually reduces overall healthcare utilization (fewer ER visits and surgeries), making it a highly sustainable public health intervention for the aging US population.
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