Financial pressure, enrollment declines and institutional challenges are emerging at several U.S. chiropractic colleges. Life Chiropractic College West's and Life University's struggles may be the most talked about but appear to be part of a larger story. And with recent USDE requirements threatening to hamstring federal student financing for DC degree programs, chiropractic education is facing questions for which it has no immediate answers.
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ACA, Blue Cross Blue Shield Meet
On April 2, representatives of the American Chiropractic Association and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association met in Washington, D.C., to discuss concerns related to BC/BSA's Jan. 1 reclassification of chiropractors within the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. As reported in DC last issue ("Blue Cross Blue Shield Hits Below the Belt," May 6), doctors of chiropractic are no longer classified as "physicians" under the program, which could have profound implications, particularly as health care reform unfolds.
According to the ACA, the April 2 discussion was "cordial, frank and open," allowing each organization's perspectives and concerns to be detailed. Regarding instances in which chiropractors may already be affected by this change, BC/BSA "expressed its intent to clarify with local Blue plans that the Jan. 1 change did not in any way affect benefits and coverage."