California HMOs add alternative care riders

Beginning in January, Blue Shield of California and Health Net will cover alternative care treatments for members whose employers purchase acupuncture riders to their health plans from both groups.

Blue Shield will also introduce Lifepath, a network of chiropractors, acupuncture practitioners, massage therapists, and stress management seminars, as well as discounts at fitness centers. Health Net has covered services from chiropractors since 1990.

In a recent Harvard study, more than one-third of those surveyed claimed to have used at least one "unconventional" therapy in the past year. Many physicians already use these services.