Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Care?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage for millions of Americans, primarily those aged 65 or older, and some younger people with disabilities. It helps with healthcare costs, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. Chiropractic care involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, with a focus on spinal manipulation to improve overall health.

Medicare Part B Coverage for Chiropractic Care

Medicare Part B, medical insurance, provides coverage for specific chiropractic services. This coverage is limited to manual manipulation of the spine when it is medically necessary to correct a subluxation. A subluxation refers to a spinal misalignment where the joints fail to move properly, even though the contact between the joint surfaces remains intact.

For coverage, chiropractic treatment must be “active treatment” aimed at correcting the subluxation, rather than maintenance or preventive care. Medicare does not cover ongoing care when significant clinical improvement is no longer expected. The Social Security Act, Section 1861, recognizes chiropractors as physicians solely for manual spinal manipulation to correct a subluxation.

Specific Chiropractic Services Covered and Not Covered

Medicare Part B’s coverage for chiropractic care is quite specific and does not extend to all services a chiropractor might offer. The only service covered is manual manipulation of the spine to correct a vertebral subluxation.

Many other services commonly associated with chiropractic care are not covered by Medicare when provided by a chiropractor. These non-covered services include X-rays, massage therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy modalities like electrical stimulation or ultrasound, and nutritional counseling. Medicare considers these services outside the scope of what it covers when performed or ordered by a chiropractor for subluxation correction. Additionally, maintenance therapy, which aims to prevent disease or maintain a chronic condition, is not covered.

Costs and Patient Responsibility

For covered chiropractic services under Medicare Part B, beneficiaries have specific financial responsibilities. After meeting the annual Medicare Part B deductible ($257 in 2025), Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount. The patient is responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance.

The “Medicare-approved amount” is the payment rate that Medicare sets for a covered service or item. This amount may be less than what a healthcare provider charges. Beneficiaries should choose a chiropractor who “accepts assignment,” meaning they accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment. If a provider does not accept assignment, they may charge the patient more than the Medicare-approved amount, leading to higher out-of-pocket costs.

Finding a Medicare-Approved Chiropractor

Beneficiaries should locate a chiropractor who accepts Medicare. Not all chiropractors participate in Medicare, so it is necessary to verify their participation status before receiving services.

A useful tool for this purpose is the official Medicare.gov “Physician Compare” website. This online directory allows individuals to search for and compare healthcare providers, including chiropractors, who are enrolled in the Medicare program.

When contacting a chiropractor’s office, ask directly if they accept Medicare assignment. This ensures that the provider agrees to the Medicare-approved amount for services, which helps manage out-of-pocket expenses. Confirming the chiropractor’s license and credentials through state licensing boards is also important to ensure they are qualified.

Medicare Advantage Plans and Chiropractic Benefits

Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are health plans offered by private companies approved by Medicare. These plans must cover at least the same services as Original Medicare, including medically necessary manual spinal manipulation. Basic chiropractic coverage is therefore available through Medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare Advantage plans, however, have the flexibility to offer additional benefits beyond what Original Medicare provides. Some plans might include more extensive chiropractic services, such as coverage for certain X-rays, more visits, or other therapies that Original Medicare does not cover. Beneficiaries enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan should review their plan’s “Evidence of Coverage” (EOC) document or contact their plan directly to understand specific chiropractic benefits, cost-sharing requirements, and any network restrictions, such as preferred provider organizations (PPOs) or health maintenance organizations (HMOs).