Press Release: 6/20/2025

New BCBS Payment Policy Threatens Access to Chiropractic Care

 



Posted: June 19, 2025



URGENT: New BCBS Payment Policy Threatens Access to Chiropractic Care



Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) has announced a Multiple Therapy Procedure Reduction (MTPR) policy, effective April 1, 2025, which cuts reimbursement for second and subsequent therapy services provided on the same day. This affects chiropractors, MDs, DOs, and PTs—and poses a serious threat to patient access, practice sustainability, and the future of small and mid-sized clinics across the Commonwealth.



Why It Matters:



BCBSMA holds the largest market share in Massachusetts. When they implement unilateral payment reductions, providers are left with few choices: accept reduced reimbursements or risk being excluded from essential insurance networks. The downstream effects are serious:




  • Fewer services available to patients

  • Longer wait times for care

  • Staff and hour reductions

  • Threats to long-term clinic viability



Mass Chiro Members: Here’s How You Can Take Action



Mass Chiro is actively advocating against this policy and encouraging member participation to push back. We’ve prepared resources you can use right away to protect your practice and educate your patients.



Log in to the Mass Chiro website and visit the Doctor Resources section under “Frequently Used Documents” to access:




  • A Patient Educational Handout

  • A Patient Letter Template to send to BCBSMA

  • A Provider Letter Template for your practice to submit



Two Ways to Make an Impact:



1. Engage Your Patients



Educate patients on how this policy could affect their care and encourage them to take action.



Tools available:




  • Customizable Patient Handout for your office

  • Patient Letter Template addressed to BCBSMA



Ask patients to send their completed letter via:




  • BCBSMA Member Portal

  • Or by mail:

  • Attn: Customer Service – Policy Feedback

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

  • 101 Huntington Avenue

  • Boston, MA 02199



2. Submit Your Provider Impact Letter



We are urging all Massachusetts chiropractors to submit a provider impact letter. BCBSMA needs to hear directly from you about how this policy harms your clinic and your patients. Use our template and include:




  • Real-world consequences for patient care

  • Appointment or staff reductions

  • Long-term impacts on your clinic



Important: Do not include PHI or exact reimbursement figures.



Submit your letter to: letterstomasschiro@gmail.com



Mass Chiro will compile and deliver all provider letters to BCBSMA.



Stand Up for Your Patients, Your Practice, and the Profession



The more voices we raise, the stronger our message. Let’s ensure BCBSMA understands the harm this policy causes and the value chiropractic care brings to patients across Massachusetts.