Are Chiropractic Services Covered by Medicare? What You Need to Know
Many people rely on chiropractic care to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support overall wellness. But if you have Medicare, you may wonder whether these services are covered. The answer depends on the type of treatment you need and the specific Medicare plan you have.
At Trinity Advance Health, we help patients understand their Medicare benefits and how they apply to chiropractic services.
Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Care?
Yes, but with limitations. Original Medicare (Part B) covers chiropractic care only for spinal adjustments (also called spinal manipulation) when medically necessary. This means the treatment must be aimed at correcting a condition affecting the spine, such as subluxation (when the spine is out of alignment).
What Medicare Covers
✔ Spinal adjustments to correct subluxation
✔ Care provided by a Medicare-approved chiropractor
✔ 80% coverage of the Medicare-approved amount (after meeting the Part B deductible)
What Medicare Does Not Cover
❌ Exams or X-rays to diagnose the condition
❌ Massage therapy or acupuncture
❌ Other services like physical therapy or exercise programs
If you need additional treatments beyond spinal adjustments, you may have to pay out of pocket or seek coverage through a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.
How Medicare Advantage Plans May Offer Additional Coverage
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are provided by private insurance companies and may offer extra coverage for chiropractic care. These plans often include:
✔ Routine chiropractic visits for wellness care
✔ Additional therapies beyond spinal adjustments
✔ Lower out-of-pocket costs depending on the plan
Each Medicare Advantage plan is different, so it’s important to review your benefits to see what chiropractic services are included.
What You Need to Qualify for Medicare-Covered Chiropractic Care
To receive Medicare-covered chiropractic services, you must:
- Have a diagnosed spinal condition that requires an adjustment.
- See a Medicare-approved chiropractor for treatment.
- Have your chiropractor document medical necessity in your records.
Medicare will not cover care that is considered maintenance or preventive. The treatment must aim to correct an active condition.
Costs Associated with Medicare Chiropractic Coverage
Even if Medicare Part B covers spinal adjustments, there are still costs to consider:
✔ Part B Deductible – Before Medicare pays, you must meet your annual deductible.
✔ 20% Coinsurance – After the deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost for each visit.
✔ Extra Fees for Non-Covered Services – If you need X-rays, exams, or other treatments, you may have to pay the full cost.
Medicare Advantage plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs, but this depends on the specific plan.
How to Check If Your Medicare Plan Covers Chiropractic Care
If you are unsure about your coverage, you can:
✔ Call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE.
✔ Review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) for details on past chiropractic claims.
✔ Check with your Medicare Advantage provider to see what additional benefits are available.
✔ Ask your chiropractor if they accept Medicare and can verify your benefits.
At Trinity Advance Health, we help patients navigate their Medicare options to ensure they understand what services are covered.
Choosing the Right Chiropractic Care with Medicare
When considering chiropractic care under Medicare, here are a few tips:
✔ Confirm that your chiropractor accepts Medicare.
✔ Understand the out-of-pocket costs before treatment.
✔ If you need more than spinal adjustments, explore Medicare Advantage plans for additional benefits.
Get the Care You Need at Trinity Advance Health
If you are looking for Medicare-approved chiropractic care, Trinity Advance Health is here to help. Our team provides quality care, helping you understand your coverage and treatment options.
📅 Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your Medicare chiropractic benefits!
