Does Medicare pay for chiropractic care and treatment?

Chiropractic care is a way to diagnose and treat health problems that affect the nerves, muscles, bones and joints of the body.¹ Chiropractic treatments are typically applied to the back and neck and may be an alternative to surgery or pain medications.

Spinal manipulation is the only type of treatment Medicare Part B will cover.² Also known as an adjustment, spinal manipulation involves a controlled thrust to the spine using hands or a device. The goal is to correct bones in your spine that are out of position, called spinal subluxation. Results may include reduced pain, lower inflammation and restored function.

Medicare Part A – No

Part A pays for emergency procedures and hospital care only. Chiropractors typically provide non-emergency services and work out of private offices or clinics.

Medicare Part B – Yes

Part B helps pay for 1 chiropractic service: spinal manipulation.³ Here are some important facts to know:

• The treatment must be deemed medically necessary by a medical professional to correct a subluxation (a condition when the vertebrae are out of position) by a chiropractor or other qualified provider.
• Medicare will only cover manual manipulation, not other services offered at a chiropractor, such as X-rays, acupuncture or massage.
• You must pay your Part B deductible before Medicare pays its share
• Once your deductible is met, Part B will pay 80% of the Medicare-approved treatment amount—you will still owe 20%
• Other services or tests, including X-rays, are not covered

Medicare Part C – Maybe

Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, are Medicare plans offered by private insurance companies. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover chiropractic treatments, but the terms can be different for each individual. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check with your provider to see what chiropractic services are covered.

Medicare is very limited in what it covers for chiropractic care. Part B will pay 80% of the treatment cost, but only after you’ve met your annual deductible.⁴ A Medicare Advantage plan may cover some or all of the costs, but plans can vary per person and provider.