Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Care?
Medicare Part B provides coverage for chiropractic care, specifically for manual spinal manipulation aimed at treating subluxation, which refers to the misalignment of the spine. However, it’s important to note that Medicare does not extend its coverage to other chiropractic services, even if they are administered by a licensed chiropractor during the same appointment.
What Medicare Covers for Chiropractic
- Manual manipulation of the spine to treat subluxation
- X-rays to evaluate subluxation (covered under Part B as diagnostic services)
What Medicare Does NOT Cover for Chiropractic
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
- Ultrasound therapy
- Hot and cold packs
- Electrical stimulation (e-stim)
- Maintenance care once your condition has stabilized
The Active Treatment Requirement
Medicare’s coverage for chiropractic care is contingent upon the expectation that the treatment will improve your condition. Once your chiropractor concludes that further treatment will only serve to maintain your current state, rather than enhance it, Medicare coverage will cease. At that point, you have the option to continue treatment, but it will be at your own expense.
Your Cost for Medicare-Covered Chiropractic
| Part B deductible | $240 in 2024 — you pay this first |
| Coinsurance | 20% of Medicare-approved amount per visit after deductible |
Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN)
If your chiropractor suspects that Medicare will not cover a specific service, they are required to provide you with an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) prior to delivering that service. By signing this notice, you acknowledge that you may be responsible for the payment of the service. It’s crucial to review ABNs thoroughly before signing to ensure you understand your financial responsibilities.
Medicare Part B provides coverage for chiropractic care, specifically for manual spinal manipulation aimed at treating subluxation, which refers to the misalignment of the spine. However, it’s important to note that Medicare does not extend its coverage to other chiropractic services, even if they are administered by a licensed chiropractor during the same appointment.
What Medicare Covers for Chiropractic
- Manual manipulation of the spine to treat subluxation
- X-rays to evaluate subluxation (covered under Part B as diagnostic services)
What Medicare Does NOT Cover for Chiropractic
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
- Ultrasound therapy
- Hot and cold packs
- Electrical stimulation (e-stim)
- Maintenance care once your condition has stabilized
The Active Treatment Requirement
Medicare’s coverage for chiropractic care is contingent upon the expectation that the treatment will improve your condition. Once your chiropractor concludes that further treatment will only serve to maintain your current state, rather than enhance it, Medicare coverage will cease. At that point, you have the option to continue treatment, but it will be at your own expense.
Your Cost for Medicare-Covered Chiropractic
| Part B deductible | $240 in 2024 — you pay this first |
| Coinsurance | 20% of Medicare-approved amount per visit after deductible |
Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN)
If your chiropractor suspects that Medicare will not cover a specific service, they are required to provide you with an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) prior to delivering that service. By signing this notice, you acknowledge that you may be responsible for the payment of the service. It’s crucial to review ABNs thoroughly before signing to ensure you understand your financial responsibilities.
