Key Takeaways
- Medicare Part B covers chiropractic treatment, specifically spinal manipulation, for a condition called spinal subluxation. It covers 80% of the cost after the annual deductible is met.
- You will need an official spinal subluxation diagnosis, and you must receive treatment from a qualified chiropractor. The number of chiropractic sessions Medicare covers will depend on your specific treatment plan.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer additional chiropractic coverage beyond that of Original Medicare, but the specifics vary by plan.
Chiropractic care is a treatment system that focuses on the alignment of your muscles and bones.
One of the most popular forms of chiropractic care is called “
Medicare covers chiropractic procedures, but only as a treatment for spinal subluxation.
For Medicare to cover this treatment, you’ll also need an official diagnosis and a qualified chiropractor. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for additional chiropractic care.
Medicare has different parts. Original Medicare comprises Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage plans are sometimes called Part C, and Part D prescription drug plans cover take-home medications.
Original Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A does not cover visits to the chiropractor.
Medicare Part A is for inpatient hospital care. Since chiropractic care is a service, not an emergency procedure, and it takes place in a doctor’s office, Medicare Part A does not cover it.
Original Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary services (treatments required for your immediate needs) as well as preventive care. Preventive care is a little tricky to define, but mental health services, flu shots, and well visits to your general practitioner are all considered preventive care.
Medicare Part B will cover spinal manipulation (alignment) as a medically approved treatment for spinal subluxation.
The number of treatments covered may differ depending on how many treatments are necessary to correct your condition.
Medicare Part B will cover 80% of the cost of the treatment after you’ve met your yearly deductible. However, Medicare will not usually cover the cost of diagnostic tests your chiropractor might order, such as X-rays.
For many years, bills have been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to expand the types of chiropractic care Medicare covers. The most recent bill is the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025 — H.R.539/S.106.
The bill has yet to pass, but if it passes, Medicare coverage for chiropractic services may be expanded.
Medicare Part C
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are administered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies.
These plans must offer the same benefits as Original Medicare, but they might also offer coverage for additional treatments and services. These plans cover you as your primary insurance.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover extra chiropractic treatment options, but each individual plan will differ in what it offers.
Some plans may cover treatments beyond spinal manipulation. You can research exactly what individual plans cover, compare them, and purchase a Medicare Advantage plan on the Medicare website.
Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans
Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) plans are plans you can purchase alongside Original Medicare. The plans cover some of Original Medicare’s out-of-pocket costs, such as copayments.
If you have Original Medicare and are approved for chiropractic treatments, you’re still responsible for 20% coinsurance, but if you’ve purchased a Medgap plan, that cost may be covered.
You can compare and purchase Medigap coverage on Medicare’s website.
Tips for enrolling in Medicare if you need chiropractic care
- Know your enrollment periods: These are times you can enroll in or make changes to your Medicare plan. Every year, different enrollment periods take place at different times, and knowing when they are happening can help avoid late enrollment penalties.
- Compare plans: The cost and coverage of Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans can vary greatly. Be sure any plan you choose includes chiropractic care.
- Check on chiropractors: Some plans require that you use a provider in their network. Before enrolling, double-check to see if your chiropractor is approved and included in your plan’s network.
If you know that you need chiropractic care, remember that regular Medicare will only cover it as a treatment for spinal subluxation.
You’re responsible for the cost of treatment until you meet your annual deductible.
Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap plans may help cover some of your out-of-pocket costs for chiropractic care. However, you cannot choose both — you must decide if you want a Medicare Advantage plan or Original Medicare and supplemental Medigap coverage.
Chiropractic treatments focus on the connections between your bones and muscles. Licensed chiropractors perform movements that bring your body’s musculoskeletal system back into proper alignment.
These treatments are usually administered in a chiropractor’s office, though some chiropractors have hospital privileges.
Chiropractors may also offer other health services, such as:
- nutritional advice
- acupuncture
- fall prevention
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Center for Healthcare Statistics (NCHS),
Research into the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment is ongoing. Currently, there is no conclusive data set demonstrating outcomes.
However, there’s a significant body of
- sciatica
- low back pain
- headache
If you visit a chiropractor for chronic back pain treatments, Medicare may cover your visits.
Currently, manual manipulation of the spine for spinal subluxation is the only type of chiropractic treatment that Medicare covers.
Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans cover these services, with the possibility of some Medicare Advantage plans having additional chiropractic benefits.
For people with Original Medicare, a supplemental Medigap plan may cover some of the out-of-pocket costs, such as copayments.