This bill seeks to modernize Medicare coverage for chiropractic services, allowing coverage for the full scope of services that Doctors of Chiropractic are licensed to provide in their state, rather than just manual spinal manipulation. Payment is limited to Doctors of Chiropractic who have attended a documentation webinar or similar program designed by the Secretary, or for treatment involving manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation.
Kevin Cramer
Senator
ND
The "Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025" seeks to update Medicare's chiropractic coverage to reflect modern practices. It broadens coverage to include all services that Doctors of Chiropractic are licensed to perform in their state, not just manual spinal manipulation. Payment for expanded services requires doctors to attend a documentation webinar. This aims to align Medicare with other healthcare systems and improve beneficiary access to chiropractic care.
Medicare to Cover More Chiropractic Services Under New Bill, Starting 2025
The Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025 is set to shake up how seniors access chiropractic care through Medicare. Instead of just covering manual spinal manipulation, the bill expands coverage to include a wider range of services that chiropractors are licensed to perform, as long as it's within their state's scope of practice. This shift aims to bring Medicare in line with private insurance and other federal health programs, like the VA (SEC. 2).
Chiropractic Care Gets a Boost
This bill means that if your state allows chiropractors to perform a certain service, Medicare will now cover it, provided it relates to manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation (SEC. 3). For example, if a chiropractor is licensed to provide therapies beyond spinal adjustments, those could now be covered, potentially offering more comprehensive care options for Medicare beneficiaries.
What It Means for You—and Your Chiropractor
For Medicare users, this could mean easier access to a wider range of chiropractic treatments. Think of someone dealing with chronic back pain who might benefit from additional therapies beyond just adjustments. This bill could open up those options.
For chiropractors, there's a new hoop to jump through. To get paid by Medicare, they'll have to complete a "documentation webinar or similar program" approved by the Secretary (SEC. 3). There aren't many details on what this webinar will cover, but it's an extra step providers will need to take. It's not clear if this will be a quick online course or something more time-consuming, which could be a barrier, especially for smaller practices. It is also not clear what costs might be associated with the webinar, and who will bear them.
The Bigger Picture
While expanding access is generally good news for patients, there is a catch. The bill limits payment for services to those involving manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation. This means that some chiropractic treatments may still not be covered. Also, while more services might be covered, the requirement for chiropractors to attend specific training could impact how many providers are readily available to accept Medicare patients. It's a mixed bag—broader coverage, but with some new hurdles to clear.