2025/12/15

Dear Clients,

We are writing to provide a transparent and important update for all Canada Life policyholders who are currently seeing—or considering seeing—Shea Puckett, DOMP.

At this time, we want to be fully forthcoming so you can make informed decisions regarding your care and insurance coverage. If you have an upcoming appointment and prefer to cancel or pause until this issue is resolved, we completely understand and support that choice.

What’s Happening

Shea has been in ongoing communication with both Canada Life and the ACMA (The Canadian Alliance of Alternative Medicine).  Most recently, ACMA has provided deeper insight into the situation, which has clarified that this issue is not specific to Shea, but rather affects all ACMA members across Canada.

For many years, Canada Life reimbursed ACMA member services without issue. However, Canada Life has recently changed its internal policy without notifying clients, practitioners, or ACMA, resulting in sudden claim denials nationwide.

Important Clarification

Some clients have received inconsistent explanations from Canada Life, including statements that:

• Shea’s credentials are inadequate, or
• Her association membership is not valid

Please know that this is not accurate.

Shea:

• Is fully accredited
• Meets all educational and professional standards
• Is an active ACMA member in excellent standing

This is an internal Canada Life policy issue, not a problem with Shea’s training, credentials, or professional status.

Current Status

Canada Life is presently conducting an internal review regarding ACMA recognition. We have been advised that this is a temporary administrative issue affecting all ACMA practitioners. ACMA has been actively negotiating with Canada Life for several months to resolve this matter.

It is important to note that Canada Life is currently the only major insurer not reimbursing ACMA members, while all other major insurers continue to do so successfully, including:

• Sun Life
• Manulife
• Desjardins
• Green Shield
• Empire Life
• Industrial Alliance

What You Can Do

If you have had claims denied, we strongly encourage you to continue escalating your claim with Canada Life. Many clients were told they should have checked the “find a provider” tool prior to treatment; however, this does not account for the fact that many of you have been seeing Shea for years with successful reimbursement until this unannounced policy change. We encourage you to remind Canada Life of this when advocating for coverage of your prior claims.

If you would like a copy of the ACMA letter confirming Shea’s good standing, to support your escalation or appeal with Canada Life, please email us and we will gladly provide it.

Moving Forward

We understand that this situation has resulted in unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, which is unfair and frustrating. Your trust matters deeply to us.

In the meantime, Shea is actively exploring alternative professional associations that may allow Canada Life coverage should ACMA not be reinstated—though we are hopeful that resolution will occur. We will keep you informed as soon as there are updates.

If you have an upcoming appointment and wish to reschedule, pause, or cancel, please contact us—there will be no pressure or penalty for doing so.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued trust. We remain committed to transparency and advocacy on your behalf.

Warm regards,
Tara Hagan-Fields

Owner