Does Medicare cover chiropractic care? The short answer is – YES.
However, it’s not that simple. Medicare will not pay for every single type of chiropractic service. There are certain requirements that are needed in order to get payment and treatment approved. Let’s look into what Medicare will pay for (and what they won’t).
In this article we’ll discuss:
Does Medicare cover chiropractic care?
According to CMS, Medicare covers one chiropractic service: Manual manipulation of the spine to fix a subluxation.
Medicare will not pay for any other type of test, service or procedure ordered by a chiropractor. This would include services such as massage therapy and X-rays.
does medicare cover chiropractic visits?
When it comes to Chiropractic coverage, there are 2 parts of Medicare that you need to be aware of: Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A will not cover chiropractic visits because Part A is your hospital coverage. Chiropractic care takes place in a physician’s office, so Part A will not pay.
Medicare Part B
Chiropractic manual manipulations will be covered under Medicare Part B (outpatient services) if it is medically necessary. Your chiropractic visit will take place in a chiropractor or other qualified provider’s office. Original Medicare will pay for 80% and you will be responsible for the Medicare approved amount.
Your Medigap insurance plan may cover this remaining 20%. Some Medicare Advantage plans may provide Chiropractic treatment (check your plan for details).
Your Part B deductible will apply. So you will need to pay your deductible first before Medicare will pay their share.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to CMS, there are no caps or limits in Medicare with covered chiropractic care provided by
chiropractors who meet Medicare’s licensure and other requirements as specified in the
Medicare Benefit Policy Manual.
How many chiropractic treatments does medicare cover? Just like with "visits" there is no cap.
Medicare will not cover any chiropractic service EXCEPT for spinal manipulation.
Yes, but only for spinal subluxation using "spinal manipulation."
Medicare will pay for subluxation, and only subluxation, when it's a condition where chiropractic care is considered medically necessary.
