Help Protect Veterans’ Access to Non-Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain
Help advocate for a treatment that benefits Veterans every day
In-home and in-office Medical Massage Therapy is currently offered through the Veterans Administration as a fully covered benefit, but due to the inappropriate application of a Medicare rule known as Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction (MPPR), massage therapists across the country are being woefully underpaid, putting this essential program at risk.
It takes just 3 minutes to electronically sign a petition to reverse the MPPR rule and automatically deliver your message to your congressperson and US senators. Just text ‘VET‘ to the number 50409 to add your voice!
VA doctors know how urgent it is to provide Veterans in chronic pain with therapies that not only reduce pain but improve mobility, mood, and overall health – without the deadly risk of addiction (and worse) that comes with opioid medications. These risks affect Veteran communities at rates far higher than the general population, but VA doctors have witnessed the promising outcomes of non-opioid therapies.
The VA’s own research shows that 92% of Veterans who receive medically prescribed massage therapy report reduced pain, increased activity, better sleep, and improved mood, with HALF reporting a reduction in both over-the-counter and prescription pain medications. Plus, this low-risk, low-cost therapy for pain is offered to Veterans in their own homes, vastly improving compliance and accessibility for Veterans whose access to a local VAMC is limited by distance or mobility.
92% of Veterans who receive massage therapy report reduced pain, increased activity, better sleep, and improved mood, with half reporting a reduction in both over-the-counter and prescription pain medications.
Recently, HVAC member Congressman Pappas (D-NH) called on VA Secretary McDonough to reverse the VA’s decision to lower reimbursement rates for massage therapy. Pappas noted that “This decision has far-reaching implications, adversely affecting veterans’ well-being, providers, small business owners, and the overall effectiveness of our health care system.” Read the full text of Rep. Pappas’s letter.
So what can YOU do to help preserve this vital program?
Just by texting the word ‘VET‘ to phone number 50409, you can help us urge congress to push the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs to reverse VA’s decision to lower reimbursement rates for massage therapy for chronic pain. You will be helping the entire community of Veterans demand better access to drug-free options for pain management and well-being that you rightfully deserve.
What Happens After I Text ‘VET’ to 50409?
Texting ‘VET’ to 50409 begins a message thread that will walk you through the simple steps of adding your name and address to this petition. Completing these steps will trigger the creation of three printed letters expressing your concern, which will automatically be mailed to your congressperson and the two US senators representing your state – at absolutely no cost to you! Learn more about how it works.