Using Your NYSHIP Empire Plan for Acupuncture in Garden City, NY

Quick answer: If you are on the NYSHIP Empire Plan, your plan includes acupuncture. Big Apple Acupuncture in Garden City accepts Empire Plan out-of-network acupuncture benefits and submits the claims for you. The plan covers up to 20 out-of-network visits per calendar year, after your out-of-network deductible and coinsurance. Call or text (516) 250-7051 and we will check your benefits before your first visit.

Who is on the Empire Plan?

The Empire Plan is the largest plan of the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP). It covers New York State employees and retirees, employees and retirees of participating local governments and school districts, and their covered dependents. Many people who work for the state, the courts or a participating employer on Long Island are on it. Your insurance card will say "The Empire Plan".

How the out-of-network acupuncture benefit works

• Up to 20 out-of-network acupuncture visits per calendar year

• Your out-of-network deductible applies first; after that, the plan pays its share and you pay coinsurance

• The plan's allowed amount follows a Medicare-based fee schedule, so your cost depends on your plan and the services you receive

• No physician referral is needed

Deductibles differ between employer and union groups, so we check your specific benefits before your first visit and explain what to expect.

What we do for Empire Plan patients

• Verify your Empire Plan acupuncture benefits before your first visit

• Submit your acupuncture claims to the Empire Plan for you

• Explain your expected cost up front

What we treat

Dr. Xiao Chen treats many of the problems that keep people from working comfortably, including back pain and sciatica, neck and shoulder pain, knee pain, migraines, stress, anxiety and sleep problems. Read our sciatica guide or our back pain article to learn more.

About Big Apple Acupuncture

Dr. Xiao Chen is a NYS-licensed acupuncturist who has practiced Traditional Chinese Medicine since 1977 and in New York since 1994. Our office is at 585 Stewart Ave, Suite 300, Garden City, NY 11530, a short drive from Mineola, Uniondale, Hempstead and Westbury, with on-site parking. We are open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM.

For other plans we accept, see Insurance & HSA/FSA.

Frequently asked questions

Is acupuncture covered by the NYSHIP Empire Plan?

Yes. The Empire Plan includes acupuncture. With an out-of-network provider such as Big Apple Acupuncture, it covers up to 20 visits per calendar year, subject to your out-of-network deductible and coinsurance.

Does Big Apple Acupuncture bill the Empire Plan directly?

Yes. We submit your acupuncture claims to the Empire Plan for you, so you do not have to file the paperwork yourself.

Do I need a referral to use my Empire Plan acupuncture benefit?

No physician referral is needed. Call or text (516) 250-7051 and we will verify your Empire Plan benefits before your first visit.

Ready to use your Empire Plan benefit? Call or text (516) 250-7051, or book an initial visit online.