Is acupuncture covered by Medicare?

Acupuncture is a pain-relief technique that stimulates specific points on the body. There are many types of acupuncture, and one of the most common is the traditional Chinese method, which inserts thin needles into the body. Conditions typically treated include back pain, neck pain, knee pain and headaches.

Yes. Characteristics that define chronic low back pain include:¹

• Pain lasting 12 weeks or longer
• Pain that’s not associated with surgery or pregnancy
• No identifiable systemic cause (not associated with metastatic, inflammatory or infectious disease)

Acupuncture for chronic lower back pain is covered under Part B, if a beneficiary has Original Medicare.

Acupuncture for chronic lower-back pain is covered under Medicare Part B for up to 12 visits in 90 days. If your chronic lower-back pain improves, your plan may cover another 8 visits. If your doctor determines your condition is not improving or is getting worse, acupuncture treatments will no longer be covered. There is a limit of 20 acupuncture treatments per year.¹

Medicare will only cover acupuncture treatments administered by a doctor or healthcare provider with the following credentials:¹

• A master’s degree or doctorate in acupuncture or Oriental medicine, from a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
  and
• An active and unrestricted license to practice acupuncture in the state where care is being provided

Medicare now covers acupuncture as treatment for chronic low back pain. If you believe you’re eligible and need treatment, contact your healthcare provider for more information.