Funding options for treatments at Bendy Buddha

The cost of treatment can be a significant concern for many, however, there are some funding options available to help.

1. WINZ support

   If you have healthcare costs for you and your family, and you're on a benefit or a low income, Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) may be able to help. With a referral from a GP, those registered with WINZ may be eligible for help with payment for treatment.

   The Disability Allowance helps with extra costs if you or a family member has a health condition, injury or disability lasting more than six months. The allowance can help with extra costs directly related to the health condition, injury or disability. Applications can be found here, and I am able to complete the necessary sections to support your application.

   If you are supported by WINZ, you may also be issued with a WINZ payment card which can be loaded with a balance to pay for approved items, such as the services by approved health providers/suppliers.

   Bendy Buddha is registered as a supplier with Work and Income, patients will need to discuss assistance with their Case Manager and supply the supplier details listed below.

   The details are:

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

2. ACC funding for Chinese Medicine

   Currently to get funding from ACC for Chinese medicine treatment, you will need an approved cover claim (lodged via a form called an ACC45). This is usually lodged after an initial assessment by a GP or another registered health provider who will lodge the claim on your behalf including the method of causation and their diagnosis of the covered injury (normally with a read code).

   Once you have an approved claim for cover you can be partly funded for Chinese medicine for up to 12 sessions over 12 weeks for most conditions. In 2021 ACC conducted a review of the evidence on acupuncture for the treatment of injuries and found acupuncture to be most effective to reduce pain and improve outcomes for these conditions in the short to medium term (6-12 weeks). Whilst the impact of acupuncture on the treatment of injuries over longer periods, or for chronic conditions, wasn’t studied, this supports the use of acupuncture in the early stages of recovery.

   If I believe you could benefit from further sessions, or your injury is more than 12 months old and you are still experiencing ongoing effects of your injury, I can apply to ACC on your behalf for more sessions to be partly funded (this is via a form called an ACC32). ACC bases funding decisions on an assessment of whether a treatment is necessary and appropriate to the injury being covered.

   If you have an existing claim, including a sensitive claim or long-term care claim, and would like your support to include treatment at Bendy Buddha you are able to apply direct to ACC using an “ACC001 Request for assistance” form.

   They will ask you to attach any medical certifications, accounts, receipts, or other proof to support your claim. To support your application, I can write a supporting statement which will include information about the following:

   • Suitability of treatment including a clinical justification with reference to relevance clinical guidelines and/or research evidence
   • Expected outcomes, times frames and costs
   • Provider details including appropriate qualifications and a current annual practicing certificate.

   This can be attached to your request for assistance to be considered with your application.

   If ACC decides to decline your funding application and you feel that their decision is unjustified you can request a review of the decision.

   As a first step you may wish to contact the ACC person you’ve been dealing with. Find their contact details in your decision letter. They'll explain in more detail why they have made this decision and can come back to you with answers.

   If you proceed to lodging a review, ACC is obliged to take another look at the decision they have made. An ACC review specialist will work with you to resolve the issues you’ve raised as quickly as possible. If these cannot be resolved the matter will be considered by an independent reviewer who has the power to overturn the decision to decline funding.

3. Private Health Insurance rebates

   To secure insurance coverage, it is essential to understand your policy details, as coverage varies widely among providers. Start by consulting your insurance company's guidelines to determine if acupuncture is included in your benefits and what your policy limits are. You may need a referral from your primary care provider or proof of medical necessity. Your insurance provider may first check that your acupuncturist is registered with the Chinese Medicine Council of NZ (my registration number is 1063) and within your insurance network.

   Please note that whilst this information is correct at the time of publishing, it is subject to change, and you will need to ensure cover and policy limits directly with your insurer.

   Accuro

   Acupuncture is a benefit of a few plans at Accuro. These are the Natural Health plan, Day to Day, Value Plus, Basic and Advanced plans.

   • Natural Health plan – Up to $45 each visit, to a maximum of $200 in a policy year for each health.
   • Day to Day
   • Value Plus
   • Basic plans
   • Advanced plans

   All these plans are reimbursement only and for members to claim they must provide an itemised receipt showing the patient's name, date of service and services provided relating to the dollar amount being claimed. This will be provided on request after your 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% for Bank Healthcare, Health Plus Business, Premier Health Business and OneMediFund
   • Dental, Optical and Therapeutic Option 80% for Bank Healthcare, Health Plus Business, Premier Health, Premier Health Business and Ultimate Health
   • Health Plus Dental, Optical and Therapeutic Option
   • Ngati Porou Dental, Optical and Therapeutic Option (100% & 80%)
   • Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Dental, Optical and Therapeutic Option (100% & 80%)
   • Toi Ora Dental, Optical and Therapeutic Option (100% & 80%)
   • Ultimate Health Max Dental, Optical and Therapeutic Option
   • Private Hospital Gold GP Option
   • Dental, Optical and Therapeutic Option (Select Option) for StayWell Classic, Hospital Cover Plus, StayWell Worksite
   • 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

   Cover it is different for every member as it will be determined whether the member has the specific module on their policy or benefit remaining. You are advised to contact the provider to confirm cover and member entitlement and we can go from there.

   Unimed

   Unimed’s Health Positive plan includes cover of Chinese Medicine. You can choose from two levels of reimbursement – 50% or 80% of actual costs up to the benefit limits. Your premium will reflect the level of cover you choose.

   Cover is for reimbursement only and for members to claim they must provide an itemised receipt showing the patient's name, date of service and services provided relating to the dollar amount being claimed. This will be provided on request after your treatment.