Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Care? What Winchester Seniors Should Know

Many of our Medicare age patients ask the same question before their first visit: will Medicare pay for this? Here is a plain-language answer, based on Medicare’s own rules, from a Winchester office that is a Medicare provider and has cared for Clark County families since 1997.

What Medicare Part B covers

Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers one chiropractic service: adjustments of the spine by a chiropractor to correct a subluxation, meaning spinal joints that don’t move properly. After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

What Medicare doesn’t cover

Medicare doesn’t cover other services or tests a chiropractor orders, including X-rays, massage therapy and acupuncture. We don’t take X-rays in our office; if you need them, we’ll refer you to an outside imaging provider.

Medicare Advantage and Medicaid

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are run by private insurers, and chiropractic benefits vary from plan to plan. We accept Medicare Advantage plans, including plans from Anthem, Humana, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), WellCare and Aetna, and we accept Medicaid, including Passport (Molina Healthcare). Call us at (859) 737-5800 and we’ll help you check what your plan covers.

Thinking about switching plans?

Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During it, you can switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan, or change Advantage plans, with the new coverage starting January 1. If seeing a chiropractor matters to you, ask any plan you are considering whether it covers chiropractic care and whether we are in its network. For free, unbiased help comparing plans, Medicare suggests your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly online or on the phone. Bring your Medicare or Medicare Advantage card; that’s all you need for your first visit.

Care adapted to you

Care for seniors is adapted to each person’s comfort, health history and goals, whether that is easing back or neck stiffness or staying active in the garden and with the grandkids. Read more about chiropractic care for seniors, or see Medicare’s chiropractic page (opens in new tab).