Does Health Insurance Cover Chiropractic?

livewell
February 22, 2024
Eric kent

Introduction

We all know that the pain in bones, joints, sciatica, and muscles is awful, and everyone wants immediate treatment to get rid of that pain. Recently, chiropractic has become an alternative therapy that you can get to treat your musculoskeletal problems.

However, some of you may need clarification on whether the health insurance covers chiropractic care. This blog will explain whether it is covered by health insurance or not.

What is Chiropractic Care?

Over the past several decades, there has been a significant expansion in the use of complementary and alternative medicine. According to the National Health Interview Survey, more than half of adults now use alternative and complementary medicine therapies like chiropractic to treat musculoskeletal disorders.

Studies suggest that about 80 percent of people experience back pain at some point in their lives. Musculoskeletal problems arise; in such cases, they use chiropractic treatments to help relieve the pain.

Chiropractic care is one of the largest alternative and complementary medicine therapies that help ease the pain of bones, neck, muscles, and joints. It is a form of medicine that treats spine, joint, and muscle disorders. Read https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2156587212458435 to learn about chiropractic care in detail.

If you have any misalignments of the joints, muscles, or backbone, chiropractic care will treat the condition and properly adjust the muscles and joints. It helps to alleviate pain immediately. It also helps to treat injuries.

Who are Chiropractors?

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who can examine patients. They examine the body and focus on its capability to heal itself. As their primary treatment, these experts use special techniques such as physiotherapy, nutritional counseling, and exercise to relieve the pain.

In addition, chiropractors are licensed practitioners who are trained to triage. They diagnose differently from other physicians, and if the disorder is not treated under chiropractic care, they refer the case.

What do chiropractors do?

Chiropractors aim to fix the joints of the body and reduce irritation. They do chiropractic adjustments and help patients through various techniques. Chiropractors also diagnose spine, neck, and other pressure areas pain.

They correct joint misalignments using their hands, which is called manipulation work. With manipulation techniques, they help in the relief of musculoskeletal pain. It also helps to restore mobility and reduce irritability.

Apart from musculoskeletal disorders, chiropractors are also trained to diagnose and treat diseases like Autism Spectrum disorder, sports injuries, Asthma, and Fibromyalgia. Read https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4591574/ to know more about it.

How Much Does Chiropractic Care Costs?

Chiropractic services range from $20 to $90 per session. It is crucial to remember that cost depends on the type of treatment. Different treatments exist for disorders like joint, cartilaginous, ligamentous, and muscular injuries.

Moreover, the type of service you need will determine how much a visit to the chiropractor will cost. For instance, the cost of visiting the chiropractor for a whole week differs from seeing him for a single session.

Your first visit to a chiropractor costs more because it includes various health assessments. These health assessments may consist of observing symptoms and conditions and diagnostic tests. The cost is less in later sessions as they do not include health assessments. However, the cost is reduced when you have insurance.

Does Chiropractic Care is Covered by Health Insurance?

It is common these days and available in every healthcare facility. It is a well-established part of the healthcare delivery system. Within these facilities, chiropractors are adequately compensated. In different healthcare systems like Medicare, chiropractic is a prominent and crucial department.

There is also a lot of insurance coverage for chiropractic care. Its treatment is covered by around 75% of private health insurance policies and 50% of health maintenance organizations. However, not all health insurance plans pay for chiropractic treatments. There are only a few health plans of insurance that may cover it.

In addition to insurance health plans for it, the rules and regulations of the company also matter. Companies may have policies covering less care for short-term or acute conditions. Some health plans cover a minimum of 12 visits that include chiropractic services.

It is advised to check your Coverage Document and Summary of Benefits. You may have to pay extra if the health plan does not cover chiropractic care. To learn more about the Medicare health plans read our blog.

How to Know if Health Insurance Covers Chiropractic?

One of the best ways to find out if your health insurance covers chiropractic care is by contacting the health insurance company. You can also visit the company’s website for details. Usually, websites have all the needed details.

If your health insurance covers care, you must pay less or no amount to receive the care. However, if it does not cover chiropractic care, you may have to pay a large amount.

Insurance Companies That do Not Cover Chiropractors?

It is crucial to remember that all health insurance companies do not cover chiropractic care. Although all medical insurance companies cover physical therapies, all health insurance plans do not need to cover physical therapies. Under the Affordable Act (ACC), these companies don’t need to provide therapy coverage.

When a case needs evidence-based medical treatments, only then insurance plans provide coverage. Since limited evidence supports the effectiveness of chiropractic care, some companies limit the coverage.

However, thanks to the health insurance companies who still offer coverage to care. These health companies believe that chiropractic care is an alternative treatment to musculoskeletal problems, hence providing insurance.

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic?

As long as you have active back pain, Medicare will cover spinal adjustments made by a chiropractor. It will assist the beneficiaries in treating their condition. However, this insurance plan does not cover spinal manipulations performed as maintenance or preventative care. Medicare only pays for chiropractic care intended to address an existing issue.

Moreover, Medicare does not cover your X-rays or massage therapy. But it will pay for some chiropractic procedures. You should inquire about the costs of each service if a chiropractor suggests or provides any of them.

If a chiropractor is suggesting X-rays or massage therapy, you will be responsible for covering the cost from your pockets. However, if a physician performs your X-ray, Medicare will cover your cost. This means that a visit to a chiropractor is required on a medical basis.

What Medicare Parts Cover Chiropractic Care?

Most significant health insurance policies, including Medicare, cover therapy for back, muscle, or neck issues. But just because you have health insurance does not mean you can visit a chiropractor for free when you have a back issue. There are requirements to cover your treatments.

Furthermore, not every part of the Medicare covers care. Only part B of Medicare covers it. This part of Medicare helps you pay for doctor visits and associated therapies. On the other hand, Medicare Part A does not cover chiropractic.

Medicare part b

Medicare Part B covers chiropractic care, but some criteria are specific. There are limitations and requirements that you must meet. Medically necessary services are only covered by Medicare Part B.

Therapies such as cover spinal manipulation and vertebral subluxation adjustment are included in Medicare Part B. It will not cover tests and other procedures of chiropractic.

About 80 percent of the cost of chiropractic services will be typically covered by Medicare Part B after you have met your annual deductible. To learn more about Medicare and its part read.

Therapies covered by Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B covers some of the treatments related to chiropractic care, including:

Manual manipulation of the spine
Adjusting vertebral subluxation
Chiropractic care for neck and spine injuries

It may also have other physical therapies if recommended by a physician as medically necessary.

Services that are not covered by health insurance

Medicare does not cover all the services included in chiropractic care, including:

X-rays
Acupuncture
Massage therapy
Laser therapy
Nutritional counseling
Examining new patient
Supplements
Maintenance spinal adjustments

Requirements of Insurance for Chiropractic

Insurance companies have several requirements before they would pay for your care. These requirements are crucial as they ensure you only get physical treatments for a while. First of all, a copay is needed by most policies for chiropractic treatments. Based on your specific plan, the amount will vary.

Moreover, if a physician or spine specialist has recommended you for it, the company covers the pay for you. In addition, if your active care plan has anticipated recovery time, the company covers chiropractic care.

Do Other Parts of Medicare Cover Chiropractic?

Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is offered by private health insurance companies. Some plans of part C may cover your chiropractic treatments. However, the extent of coverage depends on your geographical area since plans are different in different regions.

Specific Medicare Part C plans may cover chiropractic care, but the particular benefits offered by each plan will vary. Some policies may cover treatments beyond spinal manipulation. It may also cover treatments that other parts of Medicare do not cover.

Suppose you are a beneficiary of a Medicare Advantage. You must check the in-network healthcare provider list to see whether the health insurance covers your preferred chiropractor.

Number of Visits of Chiropractor under Health Insurance

Usually, your health insurance plan does not cover your desired visits to a chiropractor. It can allow several visits and does not allow you to have unlimited visits. Many health insurance plans have a limited number of yearly visits to chiropractors.

In addition, you receive limited services of it. You can only have some of the services of physical examination. Some insurance plans also set a period and eligibility for your chiropractic care.

Does Health Insurance Cover Chiropractors?

Another crucial thing to remember is that your insurance will often only pay for specific providers. There is always an in-network provider list that must be checked before undergoing therapy with a chiropractor. If you have a particular chiropractor in mind, you must know if the plan covers him.

If you are a beneficiary of Medicare Advantage, you may be enrolled in a preferred provider organization or health maintenance organization plan. For these plans to be fully reimbursed, you must use an in-network healthcare provider.

Other health Insurance that cover chiropractic

Not only Medicare provides health insurance for it. Other health insurances also offer you coverage for your chiropractic treatments. Some of the health insurance are:

Multiplan
PHCS
Cigna
Humana
United Healthcare
Blue Cross Blue Shield

What If My Insurance Does Not Cover Chiropractic?

Some insurance companies refuse to pay for care even though studies have shown that chiropractic therapy is the most successful in treating musculoskeletal conditions.

It is becoming increasingly popular, but some health insurance will still not cover the cost. In such a case, you have to pay for your chiropractic treatment from your pockets. Since this therapy is so beneficial, many people still pay for it out of their pockets. In such situations, you should choose a trained and professional chiropractor who will prioritize your healing.

If your Health insurance does not cover its treatment, choose a chiropractor wisely because it can be expensive. Look for as many chiropractors as possible and asses their background. After careful selection, discuss your problems and position. In addition, checking for medical expenses and finance options can be helpful.

However, you can explore other therapies if the above options do not work. You can check your insurance plan and see other therapies it provides. Discussing your issues with your chiropractor can also be helpful. He may suggest other options that suit you well.

Financial options

Covering the expenses of chiropractic treatment from your pockets can be hectic. Thank God many options can help you with chiropractic expenses. There are many health savings accounts, including Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account, that you can use to pay your healthcare costs.

These accounts save money for you, and you can use them whenever you need them. You can save and withdraw money without any tax fee. However, you can only use this money to pay your medical expenses. You cannot withdraw this money for other purposes.

Another financial option to cover chiropractic expenses is a Medical card. You can use a medical to pay your health expenses with a low interest rate. Your routine check-ups and treatments can be paid for with this card.

Conclusion

People frequently ask, “Does health insurance cover chiropractic?” and the answer is usually yes. Chiropractic care has gained popularity because of its effectiveness. Chiropractic care helps to reduce the pain caused by musculoskeletal problems. It helps you with the adjustment of the joints and muscles. Several health insurance companies offer chiropractic treatment coverage, but some do not. They consider it as alternative care and hence provide limited benefits to beneficiaries. Therapies that are usually included in health insurance are Spine manipulation and vertebral subluxation. However, other services like X-rays, massage therapies, and laser treatments are not included.

FAQ

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What is chiropractic care?

Chiropractic is a health profession that provides treatment for problems related to the musculoskeletal system. It is concerned with diagnosing, preventing, and treating musculoskeletal disorders, including soft-tissue manipulation and spinal adjustment. Chiropractic care also helps to relieve the neck, muscles, and joint pains.

Does all health insurance cover chiropractic?

No, not all health insurances cover chiropractic. Although chiropractic treatments are common are very popular these days for their effectiveness, only fee health insurance plans include chiropractic. Few health insurance companies cover chiropractic.

What chiropractic services are covered in health insurance?

Several chiropractic services are included in health insurance, including Spine manipulation and vertebral subluxation. It is crucial to remember that massage therapies and laser therapies are not usually included in health insurance plans. However, if a physician recommends these treatments, then they may be covered by your health insurance.

What chiropractic treatments are included in health insurance?

Health insurance does not cover chiropractic treatments like X-rays, acupuncture, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, and examining a new patient. These therapies are not considered as part of conventional medical care but as alternative treatments, which is why they are not included in health insurance plans.

What parts of Medicare cover chiropractic care?

Medicare Part B covers chiropractic. Therapies, including spinal manipulation and chiropractic care for neck and spine injuries, are included in health insurance of Medicare Part B. However, there are specific requirements that you must meet to get the coverage. Other parts of Medicare, including Part A and C, do not cover chiropractic.