My name is Michael Goione, DC, and I am a practicing chiropractor in Monmouth County, New Jersey. I have served as an Insurance Consultant to the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors since 2012, and earlier this year I assumed the role of Insurance Director.
As an actively practicing chiropractor, I stay closely connected to the ever-changing insurance landscape in New Jersey. Since this is my first article as Insurance Director, I thought it would be helpful to explain how ANJC’s Insurance Department and Committee work to support our members.
How the Insurance Department Operates
The ANJC Insurance Department is overseen by the Executive Director and Board of Directors, who provide guidance on the department’s priorities and initiatives.
The department consists of:
- Insurance Director
- Medicare Consultant
- Certified Coding Consultant
In addition, the Insurance Committee meets monthly to discuss emerging issues affecting chiropractors throughout New Jersey. The committee includes doctors who participate both in-network and out-of-network with various insurance carriers, providing valuable perspectives from both sides of the insurance system.
What Does the Insurance Director Do?
As Insurance Director, my responsibilities include:
- Responding to member questions and concerns
- Consulting with experts to provide accurate answers to frequently asked insurance questions
- Co-leading the Insurance Committee with the Insurance Committee Chair
- Meeting with legislators, insurance executives, and representatives from the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance
- Communicating directly with insurance companies regarding credentialing, claim payments, system errors, fee schedules, network issues, and other member concerns
One of the most important aspects of this role is maintaining open communication with insurance company representatives to help resolve issues affecting our members.
Current Insurance Issues We’re Addressing
Since the beginning of the year, ANJC has been actively working on several insurance-related concerns.
Horizon
We have assisted members experiencing credentialing issues with Horizon. After communicating directly with our Horizon contacts, most of these concerns were resolved quickly.
We also continued working through residual issues from Horizon’s 2025 system processing errors.
More recently, we identified a system issue affecting out-of-state Blue Cross Blue Shield patients, particularly those insured through Anthem. ANJC has remained in regular communication with Horizon and has provided numerous member examples to help identify and resolve the problem.
Aetna
Several issues involving Aetna have also been a priority for the Insurance Department and Committee.
One concern has been the intermittent denial of non-spinal manipulation codes for Medicare Advantage patients enrolled in the SHBP/SEHBP plans. Aetna acknowledged the issue and was working toward a solution at the time this article was written.
In March 2026, Aetna also initiated widespread acupuncture recoupment actions affecting many ANJC members who employ acupuncturists in their practices. Following meetings between ANJC and Aetna, the recoupment process was paused while discussions continue toward a permanent resolution.
We’re Here to Help
I encourage every ANJC member to contact Association Headquarters with any insurance-related questions, concerns, or coverage issues.
The more examples and information our members provide, the better we can identify trends, advocate on your behalf, and work toward meaningful solutions.
You can reach me through ANJC Headquarters at drgoione@anjc.info.
I look forward to working with our members in the months ahead.
Michael Goione, DC
ANJC Insurance Director