Medicare Part B covers chiropractic services to correct subluxations and x-rays ordered by your doctor to diagnose back pain.
Medically Necessary Chiropractic Care
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary and preventative services. This includes outpatient doctor visits, emergency room visits, flu shots, preventive screenings, clinical research, ambulance services, durable medical equipment, mental health care, and limited outpatient prescription drugs.
Medicare Part B will cover chiropractic services when they are medically necessary to correct a subluxation, which is the term used to describe when one or more of the bones in your spine have moved out of position.
Chiropractic Care That Is Not Covered By Medicare
Care from a chiropractor can often fall into the category of alternative or holistic medicine that people seek without a directive from their physician to get that treatment. You might be tempted to visit a chiropractor if your neck has been bothersome and sore or if you have recurring pain in your back. The treatments you get from a chiropractor can greatly ease your discomfort, but that does not mean they are covered under your health insurance.
Medicare does not cover spinal manipulations for preventive or maintenance care. Medicare will not cover massage therapy either.
Unless your physician orders an x-ray for diagnostic purposes, you will not be covered for x-rays for chiropractic treatment. So if your chiropractor takes an x-ray, you will be responsible for the full costs of that scan.
Alternatives to Chiropractic Care for Back Pain That Medicare Might Cover
If you have chronic low back pain, you may be able to seek treatment outside of traditional Western medicine and still be covered by your health insurance. As of 2020, you will be covered for 12 sessions of acupuncture over 90 days for your chronic low back pain. If you see improvement, you may be covered for an additional eight sessions of acupuncture.
When you have difficulty with everyday activities due to back pain or have suffered a back injury from a fall or an accident, you should see your physician. They may prescribe physical therapy. Medicare Part B covers physical therapy that your doctor recommends.
Your Costs for Medicare Covered Chiropractic Care
When Medicare covers your chiropractic care, your coverage comes through Medicare Part B. Once you meet your yearly deductible, you will be responsible for paying 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your treatments.
Do you have health care needs that fall outside of Part A and Part B? Speak with the team at Magellan Healthcare to learn more about your Medicare coverage options. We will help you find the plan that is right for you.
