Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Closeup of a male Doctor or physiotherapist doing stretching for a patient in the clinic for examining treating injured of back stock photo
By Daniel Petkevich
Dec 22, 2022

Not usually, but there are exceptions

Medicare does not typically cover chiropractic visits unless they are deemed medically necessary. In this case, Medicare will cover up to 12 chiropractic visits per year if the services are prescribed by your doctor. For these covered visits, you may be able to receive reimbursement for a portion of the cost.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

What services are typically covered by Medicare?

Medicare will typically cover chiropractic visits to treat neuromusculoskeletal problems like neck and back pain. Medicare may also cover certain specialized treatments, such as spinal manipulation or physical therapy.

What services are usually not covered by Medicare?

Medicare does not usually cover routine chiropractic visits, including visits for preventive care. Medicare also does not cover services that are not medically necessary, such as massage therapy or acupuncture.

What types of chiropractic visits may be covered by Medicare?

Medicare may cover chiropractic visits for the treatment of specific medical conditions, including the following:
  • Visits to treat spinal subluxations or pain in the neck and back. The services must be prescribed by your doctor in order for Medicare to consider them medically necessary.
  • Chiropractic x-rays if they are medically necessary to diagnose a condition or to guide treatment.
  • Chiropractic evaluation and management services if they are medically necessary to diagnose and treat a medical condition.

How to get reimbursed for medically necessary chiropractic care through Medicare

If you have Medicare and need chiropractic care for a medically necessary condition, then you may be able to get reimbursed for some of the cost. Keep in mind that you must meet certain guidelines to be eligible for reimbursement:
  • You must have a doctor’s prescription for the services. Your doctor must provide proof that the services are medically necessary.
  • You must use a Medicare-approved provider for the services.
  • You must pay your share of the cost, such as deductibles and coinsurance.
If you meet all the requirements, you may receive reimbursement for at least some of the cost. Be sure to keep all receipts and other documentation of your chiropractic visits to submit them for reimbursement.

Tips for finding a provider that accepts Medicare

If you need to find a provider that accepts Medicare, several resources are available. You can search online for providers in your area or call the Medicare hotline at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Takeaway

Overall, Medicare typically does not cover chiropractic services. However, if you have a medically necessary condition that requires chiropractic treatment, then it may be possible to get at least some of the costs reimbursed by Medicare. Check with your doctor before pursuing any treatment, including chiropractic care. This content is for informational purposes only. Call Fair Square Medicare for all your Medicare questions. Our team of experts is here for you.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

Vitamin in a syringe stock photo
Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?
Aug 15, 2022
Cover image
What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?
Apr 25, 2023
Philadelphia skyline at sunset stock image
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia
Mar 7, 2023
Unrecognizable doctor holding highlighted handrawn Kidneys in hands. Medical illustration, template, science mockup. stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?
Nov 30, 2022
Cover image
2024 "Donut Hole" Updates
Aug 3, 2023
Unrecognizable person undergoing surgery in the clinic stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?
Nov 28, 2022
Mental health stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?
Oct 12, 2022
Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?
Dec 2, 2022
Abortion stock image
Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?
Dec 13, 2022
breast cancer awareness ribbon stock image
Does Medicare Cover Piqray?
Dec 2, 2022
senior man on a phone call stock image
What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?
Apr 11, 2023
Illustrated representation of medical marijuana, using a prescription bottle with a marijuana leaf on the front.
Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?
Jan 6, 2023
bearded man holding his head in confusion looking at his laptop stock image
Why Is Medicare So Confusing?
Apr 19, 2023
Medicare Enrollment Periods stock image
Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare
Feb 3, 2023
Fair Square
Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?
Oct 6, 2022
senior man holding out his medicare card stock image
Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?
Dec 22, 2022
alphabet_soup
How to Choose a Medigap Plan
Jan 10, 2023
senior man reaching to his ear with jumbled letters going into the ear stock image
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
Nov 9, 2022

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

2024 Medicare Price Changes

Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?

Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans

Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?

Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2023

Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?

Does Medicare Cover Ofev?

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Does Medicare Cover Physicals & Blood Work?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?

Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?

Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?

Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?

Estimating Prescription Drug Costs

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How to Apply for Medicare?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2024

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

The Fair Square Bulletin: February 2024

The Fair Square Bulletin: July 2023

The Fair Square Bulletin: September 2023

The Fair Square Bulletin: The End of the COVID Emergency Declaration

What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?

What If I Don't Like My Plan?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan

Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Will Medicare Cover it?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.
Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2024

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2024 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M