How does Medicare cover chiropractic care?

Medicare covers chiropractic care, but the coverage differs from that of ordinary medical care from your doctor. Medicare only covers the chiropractic adjustment. This restriction is due to the wording of the Social Security Act, and for more services to be covered by Medicare, new legislation would have to be passed.

In order to qualify for the coverage, the doctor is required to produce information and evidence that proves the adjustments are medically necessary. To meet the Medicare requirements, the doctor must use forms and questionnaires, and may be required to take x-rays if necessary. X-rays and other examinations are not covered by Medicare.

Medicare requires that you have “functional improvement” or you will be denied coverage. Functional improvement shows that your care is medically necessary and is not simply “maintenance care.” If you no longer have functional improvement, your doctor is required by law to inform Medicare.