Coverage
Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Services?
by Christian Worstell | Published November 17, 2023 | Reviewed by John Krahnert
Medicare does cover chiropractic visits in certain situations. Learn more about the details of Medicare Part B, how Medicare pays for chiropractic services and the out-of-pocket costs you can expect to be charged.
Medicare and Chiropractic Services
Life can be difficult when struggling with back issues that keep you from doing the things you love. Life can be even more difficult when the services you need to help correct those issues are expensive.
Luckily, Medicare Part B can help to alleviate some of the costs associated with chiropractic services. If you have Medicare Part B, Medicare does cover chiropractic services that include the "manual manipulation of the spine" to correct a sublaxation (a condition where one or more of your vertebrae are out of alignment) by a licensed chiropractor.1
- How much does Medicare cover?
Medicare will typically pay 80 percent of the Medicare approved amount after the deductible for your plan is met. - How much am I responsible for?
You are usually obligated to pay the remaining 20 percent of the cost of the service, once your Part B deductible is met. The Part B deductible is $240 per year in 2024.
Services not covered include: X-rays (depending on your plan), massage therapy, supplies, facility charges, copayments and coinsurance.
One way to get help covering the cost of the Part B deductible and copayment fees is with the help of Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap.
How Does Medicare Supplement Insurance Work?
If you already have Medicare Part A and Part B, then you may be eligible for Medigap insurance.
You can choose from 10 standardized Medigap plan options available in most states. Each plan option has different benefits and costs. You pay a monthly premium and get coverage for some of the gaps left by Medicare, including the Medicare Part B coinsurance for Medicare-approved chiropractic services.
Learn more about Medicare coverage of common procedures
Medicare Supplement Insurance can help cover your out-of-pocket chiropractic costs.
Find a plan Or call to speak with a licensed insurance agent.
1 https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/chiropractic-services.html
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