This bill expands Medicare coverage to include services provided by qualified acupuncturists.
Judy Chu
Representative
CA-28
The "Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act of 2025" expands Medicare coverage to include services provided by qualified acupuncturists, as defined by state licensure or criteria set by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This ensures seniors have access to acupuncture services, with payment rules established under the physician fee schedule and separate payment options for institutional providers. It defines qualified acupuncturist services as those legally allowed under state law, including related services and supplies. These changes will apply to services furnished 270 days after the Act's enactment.
Medicare to Cover Acupuncture Starting Next Year: 'Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act' Sets 2026 Rollout
The "Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act of 2025" is set to expand Medicare coverage to include acupuncture services. Starting roughly nine months from now (270 days after enactment, to be precise), qualified acupuncturists can bill Medicare directly for their services.
Needles and Benefits
This bill formally recognizes acupuncture as a covered service under Medicare. It spells out exactly who can provide these services: either state-licensed acupuncturists or physicians who are already authorized to perform acupuncture in their state (SEC. 2). This means if your state licenses acupuncturists, they're in. If not, the Secretary of Health and Human Services will set some standards.
Real-World Rollout
So, what does this mean for someone dealing with, say, chronic back pain? Instead of relying solely on conventional treatments, a Medicare patient could get a referral for acupuncture, and it would be covered just like a visit to a specialist. Think of a retired construction worker who's been battling lower back pain for years—this could offer a new avenue for relief without automatically turning to stronger meds.
The Bottom Line
This change could be a significant shift for Medicare recipients seeking alternative pain management. The bill ensures that payments to acupuncturists align with the existing physician fee schedule, and it allows for separate billing in hospital settings (SEC. 2). While this opens up new treatment options, it also means keeping an eye on how this is implemented. We need to make sure only truly qualified practitioners are billing Medicare, and that the system isn't being taken advantage of. This is a big step, connecting ancient practice with modern healthcare needs—let's see how it plays out in practice.