Funding and coverage options for treatments at Bendy Buddha

The cost of treatment can be a concern for many people. There are, however, a number of funding and reimbursement options that may be available.

1. WINZ support

   If you or your family have healthcare costs and you are receiving a benefit or have a low income, Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) may be able to provide assistance. With a referral from a GP, clients registered with WINZ may be eligible for help with the cost of treatment.

   The Disability Allowance can help with ongoing extra costs if you or a family member has a health condition, injury, or disability expected to last longer than six months. This allowance may contribute to costs directly related to that condition, injury, or disability. Application information is available through WINZ, and I am able to complete the relevant sections to support your application where required.

   Clients supported by WINZ may also be issued with a WINZ payment card, which can be loaded with funds to pay for approved items, including services provided by approved health providers or suppliers.

   Bendy Buddha is registered as a supplier with Work and Income. Any assistance must be discussed with your WINZ Case Manager, and the supplier details below will be required.

   The details are:

   • Trading name: Bendy Buddha
   • Supplier ID number: CUR003051016

   

2. ACC funding for Chinese Medicine

   To access ACC funding for Chinese medicine treatment, you must have an approved ACC cover claim. This is usually lodged via an ACC45 form following an initial assessment by a GP or another registered health provider, who submits the claim on your behalf, including the mechanism of injury and their diagnosis of the covered injury.

   Once cover has been approved, ACC may partially fund acupuncture treatment for up to 12 sessions over a 12‑week period for most conditions. If further treatment may be clinically appropriate, or if your injury is older than 12 months and you continue to experience ongoing effects, I can apply to ACC on your behalf for additional partially funded sessions using an ACC32 form. ACC assesses all applications based on whether the requested treatment is considered necessary and appropriate for the covered injury.

   If you have an existing ACC claim - including a sensitive claim or long‑term care claim — and would like to include treatment at Bendy Buddha, you may apply directly to ACC using an ACC001 Request for Assistance form.

   As part of this process, ACC may request supporting documentation such as medical certificates, invoices, receipts, or other relevant information. I can provide a supporting statement if required, which may include:

   • An outline of treatment suitability with clinical justification referencing relevant guidelines and/or research
   • Expected outcomes, timeframes, and associated costs
   • Provider details, including appropriate qualifications and a current annual practising certificate

   This supporting information can be submitted with your application for ACC’s consideration.

   If ACC declines a funding application and you believe the decision is not justified, you are entitled to request a review. As a first step, you may wish to contact the ACC staff member handling your claim; their details will be included in the decision letter. They can explain the reasons for the decision and respond to any initial questions.

   If you proceed with a formal review, ACC is required to reconsider the decision. An ACC review specialist will work with you to address the issues raised. If these cannot be resolved, the matter may be referred to an independent reviewer who has the authority to overturn the original decision.

3. Private Health Insurance rebates

   Private health insurance cover for acupuncture varies between insurers and individual policies. To determine whether acupuncture is included in your cover and what your benefit limits are, you should consult your insurer directly. Some insurers may require a referral from a primary care provider or confirmation of medical necessity.

   Insurers may also confirm that your acupuncturist is registered with the Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand (my registration number is 1063) and that the provider meets policy requirements.

   Please note that the information below is correct at the time of publication but is subject to change. You should always confirm current benefits and limits directly with your insurer.

   Accuro

   Acupuncture may be included as a benefit under several Accuro plans, including:

   • Natural Health Plan – up to $45 per visit, to a maximum of $200 per policy year per health service
   • Day to Day
   • Value Plus
   • Basic plans
   • Advanced plans

   These plans are reimbursement‑based. To claim, members must provide an itemised receipt showing the patient’s name, date of service, services provided, and the amount being claimed. Receipts can be provided on request following treatment.

   nib

   The following are nib products that include acupuncture cover:

   • Therapeutic Care Benefit for Premium & Standard Everyday
   • AON Hospital Plus Extension 2
   • Dental, Optical and Therapeutic Option (100% and 80%) across a range of plans, including Bank Healthcare, Health Plus Business, Premier Health, Premier Health Business, Ultimate Health, OneMediFund, Toi Ora, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, and Ngāti Porou plans
   • Ultimate Health Max Dental, Optical and Therapeutic Option
   • Private Hospital Gold GP Option
   • Major Medical Optional Specialists and Tests Cover

   Because nib products are so variable, they suggest members apply for pre-approval for a course of treatment. You can do this via your mynibNZ app.

   Southern Cross

   Southern Cross cover varies depending on individual policy modules and remaining benefit entitlements. Members are advised to contact Southern Cross directly to confirm whether acupuncture is included in their policy and what benefits remain.

   Unimed

   Unimed’s Health Positive plan includes cover for Chinese medicine. Members can choose between reimbursement at 50% or 80% of actual costs, up to the applicable benefit limits. Premiums reflect the level of cover selected.

   Cover is reimbursement‑based, and claims must be supported by an itemised receipt showing the patient’s name, date of service, services provided, and the amount claimed. Receipts can be provided on request after treatment.