Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that may improve the function of your bones, muscles, and joints.

Chiropractic care includes many services, but only one is covered by original Medicare: manual manipulation of the spine. This service is covered by Medicare Part B.

What are chiropractic services?

Chiropractic services aim to treat problems related to musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractic care can range from lifestyle coaching to massage therapy and manipulations. Joint manipulations are hands-on treatments that involve a quick thrust of pressure to a joint or series of joints, such as the spine (spinal manipulation). The goal is to improve pain, mobility, and function in those joints. 

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Does Medicare cover chiropractic services?

Original Medicare may cover spinal manipulation, when it is deemed medically necessary by your primary care provider — for example, as treatment for back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, or headaches. Other chiropractic services, such as acupuncture and massage therapy, are not covered.

Medicare Part B will cover 80% of the cost of covered chiropractic services after you meet your Part B deductible.

What are Medicare’s requirements for chiropractic coverage?

To be eligible for Medicare coverage of chiropractic services, you must meet the following requirements: 

• You must be enrolled in Medicare Part B. 

• You must have a medical need identified by your primary care provider (not a chiropractor) and documented in your medical records. This may be a condition such as back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, or headaches. 

• If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may need a referral from your doctor.

• You must receive your treatment from a Medicare-enrolled chiropractor.

You can find a Medicare-enrolled chiropractor by using the Medicare provider finder tool. You can search for a provider by specialty, location, and other criteria. Once you find a chiropractor near you, call the office to verify that they still accept Medicare before scheduling an appointment.

How many chiropractic sessions are covered by original Medicare?

Original Medicare does not have a limit on the number of chiropractic sessions for spinal manipulation that are covered, but each session must be considered medically necessary.

The number of sessions you need will be determined based on your symptoms, medical history, and medical examination including scans.

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It’s important to note that all X-rays must be performed by your primary care physician or referring doctor. Medicare will not cover the cost of X-rays performed by your chiropractor.

How much does a chiropractic visit cost with original Medicare?

You will be responsible for paying the full cost of your chiropractic care until you reach your Part B deductible. The average cost of a chiropractor visit for a manual adjustment is $65. 

Once you meet your deductible, Medicare will pay 80% of the cost of covered treatment. You are responsible for the other 20%.

What chiropractic services are not covered by original Medicare?

Original Medicare only covers spinal manipulation. Most chiropractors offer a variety of treatment options that go beyond manual adjustments. Original Medicare does not cover other services or tests that a chiropractor offers, such as:

• X-rays performed by or ordered by a chiropractor

• Massage therapy

• Acupuncture

• Nutritional counseling

• Electrical stimulation

• Ultrasound therapy

• Heat therapy

• Cold therapy

• Exercise therapy

If you choose to receive these additional services from your chiropractor and you have original Medicare, you will have to pay for them yourself. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover services beyond spinal manipulation.

Does Medicare Advantage cover chiropractic services?

Medicare Advantage (MA) is a private insurance alternative that replaces the hospital and medical insurance provided by original Medicare’s Part A and Part B. 

The chiropractic care covered by MA varies depending on the specific plan. 

You can find out what kind of chiropractic care your MA plan covers by:

1. Calling your plan. Use the phone number on the back of your insurance card.

2. Checking your plan’s website. Many plans outline covered services online.

3. Using the Medicare Plan Finder tool. The Medicare Plan Finder Tool allows you to compare the chiropractic care covered by different MA plans.

Even if your MA plan covers chiropractic care, you still might have to pay some out-of-pocket costs, such as meeting a deductible as well as copays and coinsurance. But unlike original Medicare, MA plans have annual out-of-pocket maximums for in-network and out-of-network care.

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Written by:

Lisa Kaelin

Lisa Kaelin is an author, editor, and artist. She has nearly 2 decades of experience writing and editing online personal finance content.

Edited by:

Cindy George, MPH

Cindy George is the senior personal finance editor at GoodRx. She is an endlessly curious health journalist and digital storyteller.

Reviewed by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

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