INSURANCE & COVERAGE

Does insurance cover chiropractic care?

Yes. Most health insurance plans now cover chiropractic care — including Medicare and Medicaid.

THE SHORT ANSWER

Insurance & Chiropractic Care

As with other health benefits, there may be some restrictions and guidelines you need to follow to ensure coverage of your chiropractic treatments, but chiropractic care is covered. Read on to learn more about what is covered and why, as of January 2020, government-run health insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid now approve chiropractic coverage.

WHY IT'S COVERED

Why does medical insurance cover chiropractic care?

The number one reason an insurance company provides any benefit is that it saves them money — and benefits must be proven effective. Many insurers began covering fitness programs because they’re cheaper than treating heart disease and diabetes. Studies prove that people who exercise regularly are typically healthier and suffer from fewer chronic illnesses.

Medical insurers would not cover chiropractic care if it had not been proven effective in treating a variety of musculoskeletal issues.

Manual manipulation of the spine to treat low back pain is the most commonly covered chiropractic treatment. For particular information about the benefits covered by your plan, refer to your health insurance policy — or call our office and we’ll work with you and your insurer to verify your chiropractic coverage.

YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY MAY COVER

Back pain

Neck pain

Chronic pain management

Spinal manipulation to treat a subluxation

Most insurance will also cover x-rays to help diagnose your issue.

PLAN TYPES

What Types of Health Insurance Cover Chiropractic Care?

In addition to private insurance — such as group plans provided by employers or individual policies purchased through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) — most government-run insurance programs now cover both chiropractic care and acupuncture. This includes:

Medicare

The federal health insurance program serving Americans age 65 and older, as well as those who qualify due to disability, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease), or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Medicaid

State-run health insurance. In Arizona, Medicaid is known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS.

Veteran's Administration (VA)

Provides healthcare to members of the United States armed services.

Federal employee insurance plans also cover treatment provided by a licensed chiropractor.

JANUARY 2020

“Chiropractic care and acupuncture offer a safe, effective way to resolve low back pain.”

While most private insurance companies have covered chiropractic care for more than 20 years, government-run health insurance programs did not approve chiropractic coverage until January of 2020. As per the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), this change is due to the opioid epidemic. The goal is helping beneficiaries avoid highly addictive pain pills.

FAQS

When does insurance cover chiropractic care?

Coverage for chiropractic treatment varies depending on who your provider is and the type of plan you have. At a minimum, most insurers require you to visit a chiropractor who is licensed to practice in your state. They may also require a short-term treatment plan coordinated with your primary care physician.

FAQS

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?

In some cases, yes — this is more common if your plan is a health maintenance organization (HMO). Most HMOs use a provider network and require referrals to see a specialist. However, not all insurance plans have this requirement. Check with your plan, or call us and we can help.

OUR CLINIC

Insurance Accepted at Southwest Spine & Rehab Chiropractic

American Specialty Health

Aetna

Banner Aetna

BCBS

Meritain

Cigna

UHC

UMR

Medicare Part B

Most Aetna Medicare Plans

AARP

AmeriBen

Gilsbar

GEHA

Highmark Supplementary

Accepted Insurances Subject to Change

Please check with us when you make an appointment. Accepted insurance plans are subject to change.

Medicare Advantage

For other specific Medicare Advantage (replacement) plans, please call our office at 480-354-2008.

NOT COVERED?

Let us verify your coverage.

Our Mesa team works directly with your insurer so you know what’s covered before your first visit.