Medicare Chiropractic Coverage Explained: Costs, Limits and Benefits 

01.09.2026 | Category: Medicare

Woman receiving chiropractic treatment for shoulder pain

Back pain doesn’t wait for a convenient time. When your spine seeks relief, you need answers about what Medicare covers for chiropractic care. Medicare does help with some chiropractic services. However, coverage has specific limits and requirements.

What is chiropractic care and who needs it?

Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating problems with the spine, joints and muscles, which can affect how the nervous system functions. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other techniques to improve alignment, relieve pain and support the body’s natural ability to heal.

You may choose chiropractic care if you experience:

Lower back pain or neck pain
Headaches or migraines
Joint pain in arms or legs, hips or shoulders
Sciatica or nerve-related symptoms, such as tingling or numbness in the limbs
Limited mobility, flexibility or poor posture
Chronic conditions such as arthritis or degenerative disc disease

Many older adults turn to chiropractors for relief from chronic pain conditions. Age-related wear and tear on your spine can make everyday activities uncomfortable.

Are chiropractic services covered by Medicare?

Yes, Medicare Part B covers chiropractic services, but with some limitations.¹

Medicare will pay for manual manipulation of your spine when a doctor of chiropractic (DC) performs the treatment. However, Medicare covers this service only when it’s medically necessary to correct a subluxation.

A subluxation means your spine is out of proper alignment and affects how your nervous system works. Your chiropractor must demonstrate through X-rays or physical examination that you have this condition.

Here’s what Medicare requires for coverage:

Treatment must be for the subluxation of the spine
A licensed chiropractor must provide the service
The treatment must be medically necessary
You must meet Medicare’s Part B deductible

Potential changes to Medicare chiropractic coverage

Congress has introduced legislation that could expand Medicare coverage for chiropractic services. The Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025 (H.R. 538/S.106) would broaden the range of covered services beyond just spinal manipulation.²

However, this bill hasn’t become law yet. Current Medicare coverage remains limited to spinal manipulation for subluxation. If you’re considering chiropractic care, base your decisions on current coverage rules rather than potential future changes.

What’s not covered by Medicare in chiropractic care

Medicare doesn’t cover many services that chiropractors commonly provide. Understanding these exclusions can help you avoid surprise bills.

Medicare doesn’t pay for these services when performed by your chiropractor:

X-rays taken by your chiropractor
Massage therapy
Acupuncture performed by chiropractors
Physical therapy services
Nutritional counseling
Wellness or maintenance care
Treatment for conditions other than spinal subluxation

These services might help your overall health, but Original Medicare considers them outside the scope of covered chiropractic benefits.

However, some of these services may be covered by Medicare when ordered by a physician or other Medicare-recognized provider and deemed medically necessary.

Ask your doctor to order these services through a Medicare-approved provider if you need coverage.

Costs involved: how much does Medicare pay for a chiropractor?

Medicare Part B typically covers 80% of the approved amount for covered chiropractic services.³ You’ll pay the remaining 20% as your coinsurance, plus any unmet annual deductible.

For 2026, the Medicare Part B deductible is $283.³ Once you meet this deductible, Medicare pays its share of approved charges.

Here’s an example of potential costs:

Medicare-approved amount for spinal manipulation: $60
Medicare pays: $48 (80% of approved amount)
Your cost after meeting deductible: $12 (20% coinsurance)

Remember, if your chiropractor doesn’t accept Medicare assignment, you might pay more than the standard coinsurance amount.

Does Medicare supplement cover chiropractic?

Medicare supplement insurance can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs for covered chiropractic services. These policies work alongside Original Medicare to help pay for deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.

If Medicare Part B covers your chiropractic treatment, your Medicare supplement policy may help pay:

Your annual Part B deductible (if your plan includes this benefit)
The 20% coinsurance for covered services
Any excess charges (if your plan includes this benefit)

Medicare supplement insurance doesn’t expand what services Medicare covers. Instead, it helps with the costs of services that Original Medicare already approves.

Steps to get chiropractic care through Medicare

Getting Medicare coverage for chiropractic care requires the following specific steps:

1. Find a Medicare-participating chiropractor:

Look for a doctor of chiropractic who accepts Medicare patients. You can use Medicare.gov’s provider directory to find participating chiropractors in your area.

2. Get a proper diagnosis:

Your chiropractor must document that you have a spinal subluxation that requires manual manipulation. This typically involves a physical examination and may include diagnostic tests.

3. Receive covered treatment:

Medicare covers only manual manipulation of the spine. Other treatments do not qualify for coverage under Medicare Part B.

4. Understand your costs:

You’ll pay the Medicare Part B deductible plus 20% coinsurance for covered services. If you have Medicare supplement insurance, it may help with these costs.

Tips to get the most out of your Medicare chiropractic benefits

Maximize your Medicare chiropractic coverage with these strategies:

Verify Medicare participation before your appointment: Ask if the chiropractor accepts Medicare assignment. This can help control your costs.
Understand what’s covered: Ask your chiropractor to focus on treatments for spinal subluxation. If your chiropractor recommends another service, you may be eligible for Medicare coverage if it is ordered by a Medicare-recognized healthcare professional, such as your primary care provider.
Keep detailed records: Document your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. This information helps support the medical necessity of your treatment.
Consider Medicare Advantage: Some Medicare Advantage plans offer broader chiropractic coverage than Original Medicare. These plans might cover services like X-rays or wellness visits.
Ask about payment plans: If you need services Medicare doesn’t cover, ask your chiropractor about payment options for out-of-pocket expenses.

You might also find it helpful to explore the full scope of Medicare coverage options to ensure your chiropractic and general health needs are fully supported. If you have questions or need further help evaluating your options, visit the Medicare Advice Center.

FAQs on Medicare coverage for chiropractic care

Q1. Does Medicare cover chiropractic care?

Medicare Part B covers manual manipulation of the spine when performed by a licensed chiropractor to treat subluxation. Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount after you meet your annual deductible.

Q2. How many chiropractic visits does Medicare cover per year?

Medicare doesn’t limit the number of chiropractic visits per year. However, each visit must be medically necessary to treat spinal subluxation. Your chiropractor must document the ongoing need for treatment.

Q3. Does Medicare cover physical therapy provided by chiropractors?

No, Medicare doesn’t cover physical therapy services when provided by chiropractors. However, Medicare does cover physical therapy when it’s medically necessary and provided by a Medicare-approved physical therapist or other qualified provider. If you need physical therapy, ask your doctor to refer you to a Medicare-approved provider to ensure coverage.

Q4. Will Medicare cover X-rays taken by a chiropractor?

Medicare doesn’t cover X-rays or other diagnostic tests performed by chiropractors. If you need imaging studies, you’ll typically need to get them from a Medicare-participating radiology facility or hospital.

Q5. Does Medicare cover spinal decompression?

Medicare doesn’t cover spinal decompression therapy. This treatment doesn’t qualify as manual manipulation of the spine, which is currently the only chiropractic service Medicare covers.