Is Massage Therapy Covered by Medicare?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 or older, also covering certain younger people with disabilities. Many beneficiaries inquire about coverage for various health services, including massage therapy. This article explores Medicare’s approach to such therapies.

Original Medicare Coverage

Original Medicare, which includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance), generally does not cover massage therapy when sought as a standalone or general wellness service. Medicare primarily focuses on treatments considered medically necessary for specific conditions or injuries. General massage therapy is often classified as alternative medicine or for relaxation, so it typically does not meet Medicare’s criteria for medical necessity.

Beneficiaries should anticipate paying the full cost of massage therapy out-of-pocket. While Part A covers inpatient hospital care and Part B covers outpatient medical services, neither typically includes general massage therapy as a covered benefit.

Medically Necessary Manual Therapies

While general massage therapy is not covered, Original Medicare Part B does cover certain other medically necessary therapies that may incorporate manual techniques. These include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and chiropractic services. These services are covered when prescribed by a doctor as part of a treatment plan for a specific condition or injury.

Physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) often involve manual manipulation techniques, such as joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, or myofascial release. These techniques are considered components of a broader, medically necessary rehabilitation plan aimed at improving function or recovering from an injury. Medicare Part B pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for these services after the annual Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2025, is met. There are no annual limits on medically necessary physical or occupational therapy services, but providers must justify continued treatment beyond certain spending thresholds.

Chiropractic services are also covered under Medicare Part B, specifically for manual manipulation of the spine to correct a vertebral subluxation, which is a spinal misalignment. However, this coverage is limited to the spinal adjustment itself and does not extend to other services a chiropractor might offer, such as X-rays or general massage therapy. Similar to other Part B services, beneficiaries pay 20% coinsurance after their deductible.

Medicare Advantage Plan Options

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are private insurance plans approved by Medicare that provide Part A and Part B benefits. These plans often include additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage for services like therapeutic massage or acupuncture.

The availability of such coverage varies significantly among plans, providers, and geographic locations. For therapeutic massage to be covered by a Medicare Advantage plan, it typically must be deemed medically necessary by the plan and ordered by a healthcare professional for a specific health condition. The service usually needs to be provided by a state-licensed therapist who is part of the plan’s network.

Individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan should directly contact their plan provider or consult their specific plan documents to understand the exact terms of coverage. This includes checking for any copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, or requirements for prior authorization. Coverage details can differ substantially, making direct inquiry essential to determine eligibility for therapeutic massage.

Paying for Massage Therapy Without Medicare Coverage

When Medicare does not cover massage therapy, individuals have several alternative payment methods to consider. Many people choose to pay for massage therapy directly out-of-pocket. This allows them the flexibility to choose any therapist and receive services without the constraints of insurance requirements.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can be valuable resources for covering medically necessary massage therapy expenses. If a doctor prescribes massage therapy for a specific medical condition, injury, or illness, it may be eligible for reimbursement from these pre-tax accounts. To confirm eligibility, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a healthcare provider is generally required, detailing how the massage therapy treats a specific medical condition.

Some private health insurance plans may offer benefits for medically prescribed massage therapy, depending on the specific policy terms. Individuals with private insurance should contact their insurer to inquire about coverage for therapeutic massage, often requiring a doctor’s referral and proof of medical necessity. Additionally, individuals can explore options directly with massage therapists, who may offer package deals, discounts, or sliding scale fees, potentially reducing the overall cost.