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Medicare may cover chiropractic care in some cases. Coverage depends on the parts of Medicare you have and the kind of chiropractic treatment you need. Read on to learn more about these treatments and when they’re covered.
What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is a type of treatment for the joints, spine and nerves. It’s most often used to treat pain. During a chiropractic adjustment, a chiropractor typically uses their hands to realign joints and vertebrae. Other types of treatment may also be used. Most of these involve using some kind of pressure to readjust your body. Many see this care as a surgery alternative.
What are some different treatments for chiropractic care?
There are multiple kinds of chiropractic treatment. Here are some of the most common:
- The diversified technique — This type of chiropractic care involves precise hand thrusts to realign bones and joints.
- Spinal mobilization — This treatment is similar to the diversified technique, but gentler. More stretching and softer pressure may be used.
- Spinal decompression — This treatment stretches your spine to ease pressure on the discs. A special table or other chiropractic device is usually used.
- Soft tissue therapy — This is a type of chiropractic massage. The chiropractor uses their hands or an instrument to treat muscles, tendons and other tissues.
Chiropractic services with coverage through Medicare
Does Medicare Part A cover chiropractic care?
Medicare Part A offers hospital insurance. It covers inpatient care like emergency treatment. You cannot get Medicare chiropractic coverage through Part A.
Does Medicare Part B cover chiropractic care?
Medicare Part B may cover a chiropractic adjustment if it is medically necessary. It only covers treatments involving manual spinal manipulation (moving the spine with the chiropractor’s hands). Other chiropractor services or tests are not covered.
Does Medicare Advantage cover chiropractic care?
All Medicare Advantage plans offer the same coverage for chiropractic care as Medicare Part B. And some Medicare Advantage plans may cover additional chiropractic services. Check your Medicare plan information to find out what’s included.
How many chiropractic visits does Medicare Part B cover in a year?
Medicare Part B chiropractic coverage does not have visit limits for the year. If you had 20 visits and they were all medically necessary, they are covered. The same would be true with 30 visits, or any number. As long as care is medically necessary, it will continue to be covered.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that covers additional chiropractic services, those services may have different visit limits. These limits can vary depending on your plan.
How much does chiropractic care cost with Medicare?
Costs may be different depending on your coverage.
If you have Medicare Part B, your plan has a deductible. You’ll pay 100% of the cost for your chiropractic care until that deductible is met. After that, you’ll pay 20% of any costs. With Medicare Advantage, your costs will be different depending on your specific plan. Check your plan’s details for more information.
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