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In recent years, the number of Americans that use alternative medicine has recorded steady growth. A 2007 survey by National Health Statistics Report found that four out of 10 respondents sought some form of non-traditional medical treatment. However, despite billions of dollars spent annually on alternative medicine,most of these services are not currently covered by the majority of health insurers.

According to the NHSR, the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) industry generated roughly $40 billion in annual revenue in 2007. However, adults in the United States spent roughly $33.9 billion out of pocket on alternative treatments that year. The majority of these expenses ($22 billion) covered self-care costs, including natural products, fitness classes (yoga, tai chi, etc.), and homeopathic medicine; the remaining $11.9 billion was spent on practitioner visits.

despite billions of dollars spent annually on alternative medicine, most of these services are not currently covered by the majority of health insurershealth insurance companies still regard most alternative techniques with uncertainty

According to the National Institute of Health, treatments that are more commonly covered by insurance include chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage. However, health insurance companies still regard most alternative techniques with uncertainty. Treatments that are not included in most traditional health plans include herbal therapy, homeopathy, applied kinesiology, and naturopathy. Though these pr

ocedures may not be covered, alternative healthcare costs could be reduced if policyholders better understood insurance policies and options.

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Your Alternative Care Budget (Bigger Than You Think)

Out-of-pocket alternative medicine expenses  including various supplements, health care products, and clinical visits  stand to accumulate over the course of a year, especially if more than one family member is benefitting from CAM treatments

. The NHSR notes that the average American adult spends $121.92 per consultation with an alternative health care provider, and pays $29.37 out of pocket for each visit. In addition, roughly 20 percent of patients who received acupuncture, hypnosis therapy, or other alternative treatment paid at least $75 per visit. The average adult spent $30 per purchase for CAM products; however, more than 5 percent paid at least $120 per purchase.

Although some alternative procedures and products are now covered by insurance,there are still many limitations placed on them when it comes to costs. Ultimately, limited coverage can mean limited benefits for the patient.

The NHSR notes that the average American adult spends $121.92 per consultation w

ith an alternative health care provider, and pays $29.37 out of pocket for eachvisit

One option for obtaining coverage for alternative medicine costs is through a Health Savings Account (HSA). Implemented by the U.S. Department of Treasury in 2003, HSAs are available to individuals with high-deductible health plans who do not receive additional coverage (including Medicare). Money deposited into this account is tax deductible and tax-free when used for medical purposes; this enables account holders to undergo periodic medical evaluations, receive immunizations, and obtain screenings for cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases, and oth

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er conditions. Additionally, the extra savings can help policyholders avoid thefinancial stresses of any health insurance loopholes of a high-deductible plan.

Another option is a Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA). Money placed into an FSA is pre-tax, but it must be used by years end for health care costs. According to Daily Finance, an FSA may cover certain alternative services, such as hypnotherapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care, as well as programs that aid in addiction recovery.