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

An illustrated image of a cartoon man using giant scissors to cut the "T" in the word "Tax"
How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes
Dec 28, 2022
Medigap and Medicare Advantage arrows stock image
Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?
Sep 14, 2022
Medicare Set Aside funds stock image
What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?
Jan 20, 2023
woman working from home with a headset on stock image
How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?
Apr 12, 2023
Charlotte skyline stock image
14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte
Mar 9, 2023
Medicare research stock image
Medicare Consulting Services
Apr 3, 2023
stack of books stock image
Do You Need Books on Medicare?
Apr 6, 2023
Medicare cost stock image
How Much Does Medicare Cost?
Jul 25, 2022
Caucasian nurse holding spine model against the patients backs. Clinic interior. stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?
Dec 9, 2022
stair lift stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?
Nov 18, 2022
Philadelphia skyline at sunset stock image
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia
Mar 7, 2023
Mouth guard used to help treat sleep apnea
Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?
Dec 8, 2022
Cover image
How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?
May 5, 2023
Electrocardiograph with pacemaker stock photo
How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?
Nov 21, 2022
Prescription Drug Bars
Estimating Prescription Drug Costs
May 25, 2020
a doctor tells her patient she doesn't accept medicare. the patient wonders what to do stock image
What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare
Feb 24, 2023
Physiotherapist showing workout record on exercise bike
Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?
Jan 11, 2023
Senior couple working at a computer stock image
Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?
Dec 19, 2022

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2023

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Does Medicare Cover Ofev?

Does Medicare Cover Physicals & Blood Work?

Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?

Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?

Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Medicare 101

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

The Fair Square Bulletin: June 2023

Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter

What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

What If I Don't Like My Plan?

What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

Why Is Medicare So Confusing?

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