Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?
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.
Speak with a Medicare Advocate
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.
Recommended Articles
Medicare 101
May 20, 2020
Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?
Nov 21, 2022
Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?
Nov 18, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?
Mar 28, 2023
Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?
Nov 21, 2022
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
May 25, 2020
What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?
Dec 1, 2022
14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle
Mar 10, 2023
Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?
Jan 5, 2023
Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?
Dec 22, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?
Dec 27, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?
Nov 22, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?
Dec 7, 2022
How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?
Nov 21, 2022
When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement
Jun 7, 2023
Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?
Jun 12, 2023
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia
Mar 7, 2023
Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?
Dec 2, 2022
More of our articles
10 Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies for 2025
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus
14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte
Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?
Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?
Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans
Can I Change My Primary Care Provider with an Advantage Plan?
Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?
Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?
Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?
Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?
Do You Need Books on Medicare?
Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?
Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Boniva?
Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?
Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?
Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?
Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?
Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?
Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?
Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?
Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?
Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?
Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?
Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?
Does Medicare Cover Ofev?
Does Medicare Cover Piqray?
Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?
Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?
Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?
Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?
Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?
Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?
Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?
Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?
Estimating Prescription Drug Costs
Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare
Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare
How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?
How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You
How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?
How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?
How Much Does Rexulti Cost with Medicare?
How to Apply for Medicare?
How to Choose a Medigap Plan
How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes
How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together
Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?
Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?
Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?
Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?
Medicare Consulting Services
Medicare Explained
Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas
Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors
Plan G vs. Plan N
What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?
What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?
What Is a Medicare Advantage POS Plan?
What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?
What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?
What People Don't Realize About Medicare
What to Do When Your Doctor Leaves Your Network
What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage
When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?
Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan
Get the Fair Square Bulletin
Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.
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. © 2025 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
Fair Square Medicare
