831-401-5141
Neuroscience-Informed Acupuncture & Integrative Care in Santa Cruz
Evidence-based acupuncture, electroacupuncture, herbal medicine, and microneedling for pain, injury recovery, metabolic health, and skin rejuvenation.
Now accepting Medi-Cal & Central California Alliance for Health!
Acupuncture with Medi-Cal
in Santa Cruz
Finding an acupuncturist who accepts Medi-Cal (Medicaid in California) in Santa Cruz County is hard — most clinics don't. Ava Zack Acupuncture is proud to accept Medi-Cal, making doctorate-level, evidence-based acupuncture accessible to more of our community. No referral necessary.
Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal) Acupuncture
Most Medi-Cal members in Santa Cruz County receive benefits through the Central California Alliance for Health (often called "the Alliance" or "CCAH"). As an acupuncturist serving Alliance Medi-Cal members in Santa Cruz, I can help you verify your Alliance benefits and what's covered. No referral is needed for up to 5 visits per month based on medical necessity.
What Medi-Cal Covers for Acupuncture
Medi-Cal covers acupuncture services in California, generally for the treatment of pain conditions, subject to visit limits and plan rules. In Santa Cruz County, most Medi-Cal members are enrolled through Central California Alliance for Health. We'll help you verify your specific coverage before your first visit.
How to Book as a Medi-Cal Patient
-
You can use this form to verify insurance benefits. You may also Text, Call or message us with your Medi-Cal/member ID — we'll verify your eligibility and explain any visit limits.
-
Book your initial consultation. Bring your Medi-Cal card (or BIC) and a photo ID.
-
Receive the same full-length, individualized treatment as every patient at this clinic — Medi-Cal patients are never rushed or given lesser care here.
What We Treat for Medi-Cal Patients
Coverage is typically oriented toward pain: back pain, neck pain, sciatica, joint pain, headaches and migraines, and injury recovery. If you're seeking care for something else, contact us — we'll tell you honestly what's covered and what your options are.
Have other insurance? I also work with United Healthcare, Aetna / ASH (ChooseHealthy), Kaiser members, and out-of-network plans. → See all insurance & affordability options
Frequently Asked Questions
​
Do you really take Medi-Cal? Yes. Many clinics list insurance they don't actually accept; we are actively seeing Medi-Cal patients now.
​
Is there a copay? Most plans do NOT have a copay.
​
How many visits does Medi-Cal allow? Visit limits depend on current Medi-Cal rules and your plan; we verify this for you before treatment so there are no surprises. At the time of writing this, no referral is necessary for up to 5 visits per month (based on medical necessity). If you require more visits than that so you can come in multiple times per week, we can request authorization for this.