Do Chiropractors Have to Accept Medicare?

Chiropractors may be “participating” or “non-participating,” but they cannot opt-out. A participating provider will bill Medicare and charge you only for the amount Medicare doesn’t pay. A non-participating provider must bill Medicare but may ask you to pay the bill, and you’ll get a reimbursement.

Does Medicare Cover Massage Therapy?

Your chiropractor may advise massage therapy to help ease the pain. Medicare doesn’t cover massage therapy.

What Does Medicare Pay for a Chiropractic Adjustment?

Medicare will cover 80% of the costs for these services since it falls under Part B. If you have a Medigap plan, it will cover the remaining 20%.

Does Medicare Require a Referral to See a Chiropractor?

Sometimes, you’ll need to get a referral to obtain treatment. For the most part, if you have Medicare, you won’t need a referral. But, with an Advantage plan, a referral could be a requirement.

How Many Chiropractic Visits Does Medicare Allow?

For Chiropractic care, there is no cap on the number of visits Medicare will cover to correct a subluxation.

Do Chiropractors Have to Accept Medicare?

Chiropractors may be “participating” or “non-participating,” but they cannot opt-out. A participating provider will bill Medicare and charge you only for the amount Medicare doesn’t pay. A non-participating provider must bill Medicare but may ask you to pay the bill, and you’ll get a reimbursement.

Does Medicare Cover Massage Therapy?

Your chiropractor may advise massage therapy to help ease the pain. Medicare doesn’t cover massage therapy.

What Does Medicare Pay for a Chiropractic Adjustment?

Medicare will cover 80% of the costs for these services since it falls under Part B. If you have a Medigap plan, it will cover the remaining 20%.

Does Medicare Require a Referral to See a Chiropractor?

Sometimes, you’ll need to get a referral to obtain treatment. For the most part, if you have Medicare, you won’t need a referral. But, with an Advantage plan, a referral could be a requirement.

How Many Chiropractic Visits Does Medicare Allow?

For Chiropractic care, there is no cap on the number of visits Medicare will cover to correct a subluxation.

Medicare Chiropractic Care | is Coverage Available?

Quick Answer

Original Medicare: Some PlansMedicare Advantage: Some PlansMedigap: Not Covered

Medicare only covers chiropractic care services for manipulations to correct a misaligned spine. But, if you need care for a stiff neck or back pain, you can expect to pay for those services yourself.

Coverage Comparison by Plan Type

Plan Type	Coverage	Notes
Original Medicare	Some Plans	Limited coverage under specific conditions
Medicare Advantage	Some Plans	Coverage varies by plan and ZIP code
Medigap	Not Covered	Only supplements Original Medicare benefits
Medicare Part D	May Cover Related Rx	May cover related prescriptions

Understanding Your Coverage Options

Original Medicare (Part a & B)

Varies

Some Original Medicare (Part A & B) plans may offer coverage for this service. Coverage varies by plan, so it's important to review your plan's Evidence of Coverage or speak with a licensed agent.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Covered

Some Medicare Part C plans may include coverage for chiropractic treatments for a range of conditions. Every Advantage plan is different; look at your explanation of benefits to see what your policy covers. Not all Medicare Advantage plans will offer chiropractic coverage.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Covered

Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap) cover the same services and procedures as Medicare. Medigap doesn’t include extra coverage beyond Medicare. However, Medigap plans can help with out-of-pocket costs such as coinsurance. If Medicare covers a Chiropractic service, your Medigap plan will pay its portion.

✦ Frequently Asked Questions

David Haass

Author

David Haass is a licensed Medicare expert who has been helping beneficiaries navigate their Medicare options for over a decade.

Ashlee Zareczny

Reviewer

Ashlee Zareczny is a licensed Medicare agent dedicated to helping those eligible for Medicare find the best coverage options.

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Care?

Quick Answer

Coverage Comparison by Plan Type

Understanding Your Coverage Options

Original Medicare (Part a & B)

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

✦ Frequently Asked Questions

Need Help Understanding Your Coverage?

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Care?

Quick Answer

Coverage Comparison by Plan Type

Understanding Your Coverage Options

Original Medicare (Part a & B)

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

✦ Frequently Asked Questions

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