If you’re covered under NYSHIP’s Empire Plan, you might already know it helps with medical needs—but did you know it can also cover massage therapy for pain relief?
Many members are surprised to learn that their plan allows for up to 20 massage sessions per year, provided they follow the right steps.
The problem? Most people don’t use these benefits because the process feels confusing. Between prescriptions, out-of-network rules, and reimbursement paperwork, it can feel easier just to pay out of pocket.
That means many teachers, police officers, municipal workers, and other NYSHIP members miss out on hundreds of dollars in covered care.
That’s why we created this step-by-step guide. In the next sections, you’ll learn exactly how to use your NYSHIP insurance for massage therapy—from getting the right prescription to filing for reimbursement—so you can book your sessions with confidence at Circle Wellness in Melville (serving Huntington, Plainview, and all of Long Island).
Step 1: Get a Valid Prescription
Before NYSHIP will cover massage therapy, you need a doctor’s prescription. This isn’t just red tape—it’s proof that your massage care is medically necessary. Without it, NYSHIP won’t reimburse you.
Who can write this prescription? It doesn’t have to be just your primary care doctor. In fact, many members get theirs from a chiropractor, physical therapist, or specialist who is already treating their pain or injury. That makes the process faster and easier.
The prescription should include some basic details
- Your diagnosis or condition (such as back pain, sciatica, or muscle tension)
- How often massage therapy is recommended (for example, “2x per week”)
- The duration of care (like “for 8 weeks”)
Step 2: Understand Out-of-Network Providers
When it comes to massage therapy under NYSHIP, most providers are considered out-of-network. That simply means the clinic is not directly contracted with the insurance—but it doesn’t mean you lose coverage.
Here’s what happens:
- You pay for the massage session up front.
- You submit the bill to NYSHIP for reimbursement.
- Once your deductible (if any) is met, NYSHIP pays you back for covered sessions.
Think of it as “pay now, get paid back later.” Once you understand this step, using your benefits becomes much less intimidating.
Step 3: Verify Your Deductible and Coverage
- Every Empire Plan member has an annual deductible. This is the amount you pay before NYSHIP starts reimbursing you.
- Once you’ve met that deductible, your approved massage therapy sessions can be covered in full.
- Coverage includes up to 20 massage sessions per calendar year, plus 20 acupuncture sessions if prescribed.
Step 4: Submit Your Claims for Reimbursement
This is the final step that makes your NYSHIP medical massage truly work for you. Once your massage session is complete, you’ll need to submit a claim to NYSHIP for reimbursement.
Here’s how it works:
- Circle Wellness gives you a detailed receipt with all the required information (treatment codes, provider info, and diagnosis if needed).
- You attach this receipt to the Empire Plan claim form (available on the NYSHIP website).
- You mail it in or submit it online.
Step 5: Book Your Session with Confidence
We specialize in helping Empire Plan members access these benefits without the confusion. From verifying your coverage to preparing the right paperwork, our team makes sure you can focus on healing while we handle the details.
Don’t leave your NYSHIP massage benefits sitting on the table.
If you’re a teacher, police officer, SUNY staff member, municipal worker, or retiree, these sessions are already yours.
All you have to do is claim them.
Book your medical massage with Circle Wellness today and start experiencing the relief you deserve.
