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).
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.
Does Medicare cover Chiropractic X-Rays?
No, not if your Chiropractor orders the X-ray. However, Medicare will cover the cost of an X-ray when your Medical Doctor/Physician orders an X-ray to diagnose that a subluxation requires treatment. Just know that Medicare will not pay if a chiropractor has ordered your X-ray.
Frequently Asked Questions
Michael Quinn is an independent licensed insurance agent with a passion for helping others navigate the complex world of Medicare insurance. With over a decade of experience in the field, Michael has established himself as a trusted advisor to countless individuals seeking guidance on their healthcare coverage options.
In 2013, Michael obtained his license as an insurance agent, laying the foundation for his successful career in the industry. Prior to that, he earned his Masters Degree in Communicative Disorders from the University of Central Florida, which equipped him with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on people's lives, Michael co-founded REMEDIGAP in 2013. It was created as a dedicated platform that aims to educate individuals about Medicare insurance. Through REMEDIGAP, Michael provides comprehensive resources and unbiased information to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.
With his extensive knowledge and expertise, Michael has been able to guide thousands of individuals towards finding the most suitable Medicare insurance plans tailored to their unique needs. His dedication to his clients' well-being, coupled with his passion for simplifying complex insurance concepts, has earned him a reputation as a compassionate and reliable advisor.
His work has appeared on many blogs and websites including, USA Today, Yahoo.com, Nerdwallet, Think Advisor, and REAL SIMPLE.
