Medicare to Cover More Chiropractic Services Starting 2025, But There's a Catch

This bill, straight up, expands what Medicare covers for chiropractic care. Instead of just covering manual adjustments of the spine, it’ll cover all services a chiropractor is licensed to perform, starting in 2025. That's the core of the "Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025." (SEC. 1 & 3)

Beyond the Adjustment: What's New?

The main point here is broadening access. Right now, Medicare only pays for manual manipulation of the spine. This bill changes that to include everything within a chiropractor's scope of practice, as defined by their state license. Think exams, imaging, and other therapies – if your state allows it, and you're on Medicare, it should be covered. (SEC. 3)

Example: If you're a retiree in Florida, and your chiropractor recommends acupuncture (assuming it's within their Florida license), Medicare should cover it under this new law. Before, you'd be paying out of pocket.

The Webinar Twist

Here’s where it gets interesting. To get reimbursed for anything beyond that basic spinal adjustment, chiropractors have to attend an educational webinar. (SEC. 3) The bill doesn't specify the content, length, or cost of this webinar, just that it's mandatory for expanded service coverage. This is a new requirement, and it could be a hassle for chiropractors, especially smaller practices or those in rural areas.

• Potential Upside: Could ensure chiropractors are up-to-date on best practices for Medicare billing and services.
• Potential Downside: Could create an administrative burden, potentially increasing costs or limiting the number of chiropractors who offer the full range of services.

Real-World Ripple Effects

This bill aims to bring Medicare in line with other big players like the VA, the Department of Defense, and most private insurance plans. (SEC. 2) They all cover a wider range of chiropractic services, so this is about catching Medicare up.

• For Patients: More choice, potentially less out-of-pocket expense for chiropractic care.
• For Chiropractors: Potentially more patients (Medicare beneficiaries), but also that webinar requirement.
• For Taxpayers: This could increase Medicare spending, but the bill’s backers point to the potential for chiropractic care to be a cost-effective alternative to other treatments. (SEC. 2)
• The catch: The bill uses the phrase 'all physicians services'. This needs to be clarified to ensure there are not disagreements over the scope of services down the line. (SEC. 3)

The Big Picture

This is about expanding healthcare access for older adults, but it's also about recognizing the role of chiropractors in the wider healthcare system. It's a mixed bag: more coverage is good, but the webinar requirement and the potential for increased costs are worth watching. The details of that webinar, and how "all physicians services" is defined, will be key to how this all plays out in practice.