Does Medicare Cover Acupuncture or Chiropractic?

Acupuncture and Chiropractic are alternative ways to help with pain management, as well as other wellness benefits – some people find acupuncture helps them to quit smoking. Out of pocket costs for chiropractic and acupuncture can be hard on your wallet, so many of my clients often ask if Medicare covers acupuncture and chiropractic?

Let’s Talk About Acupuncture First.

Medicare does not cover acupuncture. Medicare offers some coverage for physical, occupational, and speech therapy but no acupuncture as of yet. But don’t get discouraged by this answer! Some insurance plans do cover acupuncture. Read on.

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Care?

Medicare does cover medically necessary chiropractic services. According to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Part B now covers 80% of the cost for “manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation.” There is no cap on the number of medically necessary visits to a chiropractor.

Under Original Medicare, without any additional insurance, you would have to pay your part B deductible and 20% coinsurance for all medically necessary chiropractic appointments.

Do Supplemental Plans Cover Chiropractic and Acupuncture?

Traditional Medicare Supplements (also known as Medigap plans) do not cover acupuncture either. These plans will help pay the left over costs once Medicare has paid their share so if it’s not covered by Medicare then the Medigap plan will not pay either.

Medigap plans do cover chiropractic care. Medigap plan “C” and plan “F” cover 100% of your Part B deductible and will also pay the 20% coinsurance. Combined with Medicare there will be no charge for any medically necessary chiropractic work.

Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Chiropractic and Acupuncture?

Yes, some plans in Maine and New Hampshire do offer coverage for these treatments and More!

Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans will reimburse you for certain services not covered by Original Medicare. These include Acupuncture, Dental, Fitness Benefits, and Naturopathic Services. Since Part C plans are not standardized, each plan can offer a very different set of fees and benefits. Plans that have these wellness benefits are rare but worth searching for if that is a high priority. Chiropractic is usually available with a Medicare Advantage plan but how much you will pay can vary by plan.

For help tracking down which Medicare Advantage plans offer the benefits you need or if you have additional questions about other alternative treatments, send me a message using the CONTACT ME page on the menu above or call me at 207-370-0143.

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