Does Medicare Pay for a Chiropractor?

 

Learn about the coverage and costs of Medicare chiropractor service and get the answer to does Medicare pay for a chiropractor?

David Minaya
September 20, 2022

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you suffer from back pain? You’re not alone! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC), nearly 40% of adults have reported suffering back pain in the last three months, and adults ages 65 and over are most likely to have back pain.

Fortunately, Medicare Part B  can cover chiropractors to treat back pain. Let’s talk about Medicare coverage and cost of chiropractic services.

What Chiropractic Services Can Medicare Cover?

Medicare Part B can cover the manual adjustment of the spine by a chiropractor or other qualified provider. Specifically, Medicare covers correcting vertebral subluxation. A “subluxation ” describes a spinal vertebra that is out of alignment. Chiropractors find a subluxation to determine where to manipulate the spine.

Under Original Medicare, you pay 20% of the chiropractic Medicare-approved amount and the Part B deductible.

Medicare Chiropractor Coverage FAQs

How many chiropractic visits will Medicare cover?

Medicare covers as many chiropractic visits as your physician deems medically necessary.

How do I find chiropractors?

Search Medicare.gov to find and compare chiropractors near you.

What chiropractic services does Medicare NOT cover?

Medicare does not pay for certain services or tests that a chiropractor may order, including:

\
X-rays
\
Massage therapy
\
Acupuncture (unless it treats chronic lower back pain)
\

Maintenance therapy  once your primary doctor no longer considers adjustments medically necessary
How else can I treat lower back pain?

Medicare covers acupuncture to treat chronic lower back pain.

A Medigap Plan can help pay your 20% Part B coinsurance for medically necessary chiropractor services. Call Senior Healthcare Direct at 1-833-463-3262, TTY 711, to speak with a licensed agent about the right Medicare Supplement plan for you. 

Share This Page:

 

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The above is meant to be strictly educational and not intended to provide medical advice or solicit the sales of an insurance product or service of any kind.

YM09152201