Chiropractic services

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)  covers manual manipulation of the spine by a chiropractor to correct a vertebral subluxation (when the spinal joints fail to move properly, but the contact between the joints remains intact).

Medicare doesn't cover other services or tests a chiropractor orders, including X-rays, massage therapy, and acupuncture (unless the acupuncture is for the treatment of chronic low back pain). 

Your costs in Original Medicare

After you meet the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount .

Note

To find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like:

  • Other insurance you may have
  • How much your doctor charges
  • If your doctor accepts assignment
  • The type of facility
  • Where you get your test, item, or service

Note

Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or, they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover. If this happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. Ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and if, or how much, Medicare will pay for them.

Is my test, item, or service covered?