Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic?
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
💡 Your next step: Medicare covers chiropractic adjustments but leaves cost-sharing gaps. Compare Plan G vs. Plan N — two of the most popular Medigap options — to see which fits your usage patterns.
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Written by Michael Quinn
Licensed Broker, REMEDIGAP Founder
Fact Checked by Joann Quinn
Chief Compliance Officer
As a licensed insurance broker, REMEDIGAP upholds the principles of integrity in our editorial standards and ensures transparency in how we receive compensation from our insurance partners.