Back pain that won't quit. A knee that aches on stairs. Joint stiffness that makes the simplest things harder than they should be. If any of that sounds familiar, you've probably wondered what to do next. See a specialist? Book physical therapy? Wait and see?
Before you make any of those calls, there's something worth knowing. Your NALC Health Benefit Plan already includes Hinge Health, a clinical musculoskeletal program available at no additional cost to you and your eligible dependents. No copays. No office visits. No scheduling needed.
Here's what it includes, who it's for, and how to get started.
What is Hinge Health
Hinge Health is not a fitness app. It's a structured virtual physical therapy program built around clinically supervised exercise therapy, backed by published research and delivered through a dedicated care team.
The platform serves more than 2 million members across the country. At its core, it pairs you with a licensed physical therapist who designs your personal program, and a board-certified health coach who helps you stay consistent. That combination matters. It's the same clinical approach you'd get from an in-person PT practice, accessible from wherever you are.
Hinge Health focuses specifically on exercise therapy, which research consistently supports as one of the most effective interventions for chronic musculoskeletal pain. Members have reported meaningful improvements in pain, and the platform's published clinical outcomes include reductions in surgical consultations among enrolled participants.
The NALC Health Benefit Plan covers this program in full. This means you're not paying out of pocket for something that would otherwise cost you considerably more.
What's included in the Hinge Health program
The Hinge Health program addresses a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, and every enrolled member gets access to the same core elements.
- Areas of care: Back pain (acute and chronic), neck pain, knee pain, hip and shoulder pain, arthritis, general muscle stiffness, and injury recovery. The program covers more than 8 distinct pain areas, and your care plan is built around what you're actually dealing with.
- Women's pelvic health program: Hinge Health includes a dedicated pelvic health program for women, covering pelvic pain, bowel and bladder control concerns, pelvic strengthening during and after pregnancy, and care through perimenopause and beyond. This program is clinically designed and conducted entirely from home.
- What every member receives: Every enrolled member gets 1-on-1 access to a licensed physical therapist who builds and adapts their care plan, support from a board-certified health coach and personalized weekly exercise sessions through the Hinge Health app.
- Plan eligibility: Hinge Health is available at no cost to both High Option and CDHP members, along with eligible dependents. No copays, no coinsurance, no deductible. The Plan covers it in full.
How the program works
Getting started takes about 10 minutes. After that, your program runs on your schedule.
First, you complete a brief questionnaire about your pain and health history. Once your account is approved, you log into the app. From there, you do a few exercises so the care team can assess your movement and pain patterns. Your physical therapist uses that information to design the right plan for you. As your pain improves, your care plan evolves with you, with new exercises, updated goals, and ongoing support from your care team.
Most members can begin exercising the same day they enroll. The program is built around your life, not clinic hours.
Before you book that appointment
Musculoskeletal conditions are among the most common reasons people schedule specialist visits and surgical consultations. Back pain, knee pain, and hip pain are also among the most common reasons those conversations lead to procedures that could, in many cases, be avoided by structured exercise therapy first.
That's not an argument against necessary care. If you need surgery, you need surgery. But exercise therapy with a licensed physical therapist is a clinically supported first step for most chronic musculoskeletal conditions, and it's one that many people skip, not because they don't want it, but because access is inconvenient, expensive, or both.
Hinge Health removes those barriers. It's a meaningful option to consider before committing to an in-person referral chain. If you're already working with a physician or specialist, Hinge Health can complement that care. It doesn't have to be either/or.
Who can benefit from the program
The range of conditions Hinge Health covers is broader than most people expect. If you're dealing with any of the following, the program may be a strong fit: persistent or recurring back pain, knee or hip pain that affects daily movement, neck or shoulder stiffness, arthritis-related pain and reduced mobility, pelvic floor concerns related to pregnancy, postpartum recovery, menopause, or ongoing pelvic pain, recovery from a musculoskeletal injury, or general joint discomfort you've been managing on your own.
The program is available to eligible dependents as well, not just the primary plan member. If you have questions about dependent eligibility or your specific coverage, you can contact The Plan directly by calling 888-636-NALC (6252).
How to get started
Enrollment is straightforward. Call 855-902-2777 or visit hinge.health/nalchbp-benefits.
