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Letter Templates to Help You Advocate for more TCM & RMT insurance Coverage

If you’d like greater insurance coverage for Chinese Medicine or Massage Therapy, your best path forward is to contact your workplace's human resources department or union. They are the ones who determine the details of your insurance policy and its scope of coverage.

To support this process, we’ve provided template letters below that you can personalize and send.
Be sure to edit the highlighted bold (and red in link) sections to reflect your specific needs.

We also encourage you to invite your colleagues to submit similar requests. When more voices speak up, your collective health needs are more likely to be heard.

There is strength in numbers!

Letter Templates To Employer/Union

Click below to read sample letters. You can copy and paste the text directly, or download the full document using the link at the bottom (Google Doc)."

  • Dear [Human Resources Department / Union Representative],

    I am an employee of [Company Name] / a member of [Union Name], and I am writing to respectfully request a review of our current extended health benefits—specifically to include or increase coverage for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture services provided by a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) and/or Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac).

    While some other healthcare providers such as chiropractors and physiotherapists may offer acupuncture after brief training, their scope is generally limited to musculoskeletal concerns. In contrast, R.TCMPs and R.Acs in Ontario are required to complete 2–4 years of comprehensive, acupuncture-specific education and pass provincial licensing exams. As one of Ontario’s 26 regulated health professions, TCM practitioners are highly trained in a broad range of healthcare concerns.

    TCM and acupuncture can support internal health (e.g., digestion, cardiovascular, respiratory), mental and emotional well-being, gynecology and hormonal balance, dermatology, pain management, and more. Research continues to show its effectiveness in reducing sick time, improving sleep, relieving stress, and supporting overall wellness—all of which can positively impact employee productivity and quality of life.

    Importantly, TCM and acupuncture are drug-free, holistic approaches that can complement conventional care and reduce reliance on medication.

    I kindly ask that you evaluate our current plan and consider advocating for TCM and Acupuncture services by licensed R.TCMPs and R.Acs to be included or better supported in our benefits package. For more information, I recommend reaching out to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Ontario (TCMO) association at http://www.tcmo.ca.

    Thank you for your time and consideration.

    Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Signature, if submitting in print]

    = = = = =

    To download a letter template, click click here (Google doc)

  • Dear [Human Resources Department / Union Representative],

    I am an employee of [Company Name] / a member of [Union Name], and I am writing to request a review and potential enhancement of our extended health benefits—specifically, to increase coverage for Massage Therapy provided by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT).

    Massage Therapy is a regulated, non-invasive treatment that involves the assessment and hands-on care of soft tissues and joints. It supports recovery from injury, relieves pain, and helps prevent physical dysfunction. Beyond musculoskeletal care, Massage Therapy is also widely recognized for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving sleep, and enhancing overall well-being.

    Increasing access to RMT care not only supports the health of employees/members and their families, but can also lead to improved workplace performance and fewer sick days. Additionally, because Massage Therapy is a drug-free approach, it may help reduce reliance on medications for pain and stress management.

    I respectfully ask that you consider advocating for greater coverage for Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) in our plan. For further details or support, I recommend contacting the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario (RMTAO) at https://www.rmtao.com.

    Thank you for your time and consideration.

    Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Signature, if submitting in print]

    = = = = =

    To download a letter template, click click here (Google doc)