Acupuncturist Credentialing and Eligibility Updates for MA Participation

Effective March 22, 2026, new requirements will be in place for acupuncturist participation in our Medicare Advantage (MA) networks.

Reminder: FEP and Commercial Participation

Acupuncturists are eligible to participate in Federal Employee Programs (FEPs) in Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. In New York, acupuncturists who meet credentialing requirements are also eligible for participation in commercial networks. Commercial network participation is not available in other states in the Highmark footprint.

Medicare Advantage Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the MA line of business, acupuncturists must meet the following requirements:

Physicians

• Medical Doctors and Doctors of Osteopathy must have a current acupuncturist license from their applicable state licensing board.

Mid-Level Providers

• Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), and Certified Physician Assistants (PA-Cs)* must meet the following requirements:
  • A master's or doctoral level degree in acupuncture or Oriental Medicine from a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).
  • A current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice acupuncture.

Important Note: All other licensed acupuncturists are not eligible for the Medicare Advantage network.

*Only applies to PA-Cs in Delaware and West Virginia.