AMTA Report Estimates $11.1 Billion in Savings

The American Massage Therapy Association has released a report estimating that broader insurance coverage for massage therapy could save the U.S. healthcare system $11.1 billion annually. The association’s 2026 Massage Therapy in Integrative Care and Pain Management report examines wider access through public and private insurance programs. Its economic modeling estimates $4 billion in savings for Medicare and Medicaid, plus $7.1 billion for private insurers and people paying out of pocket. The report also estimates that expanded coverage could bring up to 96,000 additional massage therapists into the healthcare marketplace over time.

Potential Savings Estimate

Economic modeling by John Dunham & Associates for AMTA projects $5.6 billion in additional worker earnings, $1.9 billion in federal tax revenue, and $2.1 billion in state and local tax revenue if coverage expands. The analysis considers what could happen if massage therapy were more broadly covered by public and private insurance programs.

Rick Greely, National President at American Massage Therapy Association, said:

“This research points to an extraordinary opportunity to improve access to care while potentially saving billions of dollars across our healthcare system. For millions of Americans living with pain, massage therapy can be an important part of a comprehensive care plan. Expanding coverage would give more people the opportunity to benefit from massage therapy while helping build a healthcare system that offers patients more choices for managing their health and well-being.”

Insurance Access And Care

The report examines massage therapy as one part of an integrative care approach, alongside physicians, rehabilitation specialists, medications, and other treatments based on a patient’s needs. AMTA says massage therapy is increasingly being incorporated into hospitals, rehabilitation centers, medical practices, and other healthcare settings.

Insurance coverage remains inconsistent, according to the association. The report is intended as an educational resource for consumers, healthcare professionals, insurers, and policymakers considering massage therapy’s place in pain management and patient care.

More Options For Patients

AMTA says broader coverage could reduce out-of-pocket barriers for people considering massage therapy as part of a coordinated care plan. The association’s analysis presents expanded access as another option for Americans managing pain, recovering from injuries or surgery, or living with long-term health conditions.