Does Medicare Cover Alternative Medicine?

Medicare, the federal health insurance program in the U.S., provides coverage for millions of Americans, including those aged 65 and older and individuals with certain disabilities. As interest in diverse health approaches grows, many beneficiaries inquire about Medicare’s stance on “alternative medicine,” often referred to as complementary and integrative health. This article explores how Medicare addresses such treatments, detailing what is covered, what is not, and the associated costs.

Medicare’s General Coverage Principles for Non-Conventional Treatments

Medicare determines coverage for any medical service, including those considered non-conventional, based on specific criteria. A primary requirement is that a service must be “medically necessary,” meaning it is reasonable and necessary to diagnose or treat an illness or injury. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) establishes national coverage determinations (NCDs) through an evidence-based process.

A service or item is considered “reasonable and necessary” if it is safe, effective, and not experimental or investigational. It must also be appropriate for Medicare patients, delivered in an appropriate setting, and provided by qualified personnel.

Specific Alternative Therapies Medicare Covers

Medicare Part B provides coverage for certain alternative or complementary therapies under specific conditions. Acupuncture, for instance, is covered for the treatment of chronic low back pain. This coverage typically includes up to 12 sessions within a 90-day period, with an additional 8 sessions possible if the patient shows improvement, for a maximum of 20 sessions per year. For coverage, the chronic low back pain must have lasted 12 weeks or longer, have no known cause, and not be associated with surgery or pregnancy. The treatment must be performed by a medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professional, such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, who holds a master’s or doctoral-level degree in acupuncture or Oriental Medicine from an accredited school and possesses a current, unrestricted state license.

Chiropractic services are also covered by Medicare Part B, specifically for manual manipulation of the spine to correct a vertebral subluxation. A subluxation occurs when spinal joints are out of proper position, and Medicare covers this manipulation when it is medically necessary. This coverage does not extend to other services a chiropractor might offer, such as X-rays, massage therapy, or maintenance care.

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is another covered service, primarily for individuals diagnosed with diabetes or kidney disease, or those who have had a kidney transplant within the last three years. Medicare Part B covers these services, which include an initial nutrition assessment, counseling, and follow-up visits. A doctor’s referral is required, and the therapy must be provided by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or a specially certified nutritionist. Initial coverage includes three hours in the first year and two hours in subsequent years, with potential for more if medically necessary.

Medicare Part B also covers mental health services, which can include certain therapies if provided by licensed professionals who accept Medicare. These services encompass individual and group therapy, family counseling (if it aids the patient’s condition), and diagnostic tests. Partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient services for mental health are also covered in appropriate settings.

Alternative Therapies Not Covered by Medicare

This includes most forms of naturopathy and homeopathy. Naturopathic doctors are typically not recognized as eligible providers under Original Medicare, meaning their general consultations and services are not reimbursed.

Herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and most over-the-counter wellness products are also excluded from Medicare coverage. Similarly, most forms of massage therapy are not covered, even if prescribed by a doctor for chronic pain or rehabilitation, as Medicare does not consider it medically necessary on its own.

Experimental or investigational treatments are generally not covered by Medicare. While Medicare may cover routine costs associated with qualifying clinical trials, such as doctor visits or diagnostic tests, it typically does not cover the experimental treatment or investigational item itself.

Understanding Your Costs for Covered Alternative Therapies

For covered alternative therapies under Original Medicare, beneficiaries typically share in the costs. For services covered by Medicare Part B, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and medical nutrition therapy, you are generally responsible for a portion of the Medicare-approved amount. In 2025, the annual Part B deductible is $257. After meeting this deductible, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most physician services and therapies. However, for medical nutrition therapy for qualifying conditions, Original Medicare covers the service at 100% of the Medicare-approved amount, meaning you pay nothing (no deductible or coinsurance) if the provider participates in Medicare.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, offered by private insurers, must cover at least the same benefits as Original Medicare, but they may have different cost-sharing structures. These plans often include their own deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance amounts for covered services, which can vary widely. Some Medicare Advantage plans may also offer additional benefits, such as limited coverage for services not covered by Original Medicare, but it is important to check the specific plan details.

Supplemental insurance plans, known as Medigap policies, can help cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance associated with Original Medicare. If you have a Medigap policy, it may cover all or part of the 20% coinsurance for covered alternative therapies after your Part B deductible is met.