Delaware legislation passed 30 years ago paved the way for chiropractic coverage with health insurance companies throughout the state, including personal injury and workers' compensation policies. But because of loopholes in the 1963 law, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the state's only Health Service Corporation, maintained they were outside the boundaries of the the 1963 law; the attorney general's office agreed.
Negotiations over the years with Blue Cross did nothing to alter the situation. Blue Cross/Blue Shield members had to pay out-of-pocket if they wanted chiropractic care.
Later, with the rise and flourishing of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), insureds were again denied chiropractic coverage; the HMOs claimed the 1963 legislation also did not apply to them.
The Delaware legislature last year passed a measure that would have mandated chiropractic coverage under Blue Shield and the HMOs, but former Governor Castle would not sign it.
This year, with the concerted efforts of many, HB 124 passed both houses with only six dissenting votes. It affects all health care coverage written after November 1, 1993, except for self-insured companies, and will require Blue Cross/Blue Shield and the HMOs in the state to include chiropractic coverage.
Hal Bowen, DC, president of the Delaware Chiropractic Society applauded the governor for looking at the issue and supporting documentation of the bill and his "sense of fair play" in signing the bill into law.
Rep. Roger Roy (R) and Senator Herman Holloway (D) were given special acknowledgement for their support and influence in getting the bill passed. Bob Powell, Jack Schreppler, Esq., Eliot Alazrake, Esq., Sam Shipley, DCs Cohen, George, Errico, and Insurance Commissioner Williams were all recognized for their efforts.
With this inclusion comes the responsibility to maintain the highest professional standards; Blue Cross/Blue Shield and the state's HMOs will be closely scrutinizing the chiropractic care that their members receive.
"Do just one thing consistently," advised Dr. Bowen: "Always put the interest of your patients first."
Dr. Bowen called on Delaware chiropractors to "cooperate fully with other health care disciplines." He added: "We hope to justify the faith placed in us by the governor, the legislature, and the people of this great state."
