Does Medicare cover alternative medicine?
Many people seek treatment methods outside of a traditional doctor’s office or hospital which leads to the question: does Medicare cover alternative medicine? Two of the most common types of alternative medicine covered by Medicare are acupuncture and chiropractic care. Learn more about when Medicare will cover alternative medicine treatments.
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Eric Stauffer
Founder & Former Insurance Agent
Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. In addition to founding Expert Insurance Reviews, Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the...
Founder & Former Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jan 10, 2024
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UPDATED: Jan 10, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Medicare covers some alternative medicine options.
- It depends on the type of treatment and past results.
- There are options if Medicare won’t cover your alternative medicine choice.
Alternative medicine provides a medical treatment option for those that wish to avoid traditional medicine. This umbrella term covers a wide variety of treatments that are considered non-traditional.
Does Medicare cover alternative medicine? The answer to that question depends on the type of treatment offered, who performed the treatment, and the plan you acquire. It can impact if you should have to pay for Medicare when you turn 65 or buy other health insurance.
Enter your ZIP code to compare different health insurance quotes for traditional and alternative medical treatments.
What is alternative medicine?
Commonly referred to as holistic medicine, alternative medicine is an umbrella term that covers any non-traditional medical treatment. This includes any medical practices or theories that fall outside generally-accepted treatments.
The term holistic medicine is commonly used because alternative medicine is focused on the entire body. This includes the body, mind, and spirit. Sometimes, alternative medicine will be used in conjunction with traditional medicine, a practice known as complementary medicine.
Some common types of alternative medicine include dietary supplements, yoga, massage therapy, and acupuncture. But does Medicare cover alternative medicine? The answer depends on multiple factors of your treatment.
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Does Medicare cover alternative medicine?
Many types of alternative medicine are considered experimental. Medical experts consider them ineffective or dangerous. These types of alternative medicine will not be covered by Medicare and possibly not by any other coverage.
However, if you would rather drop an employer’s health insurance and go on Medicare, there are some types of alternative medicine that can be covered. This is usually physical treatment using alternative therapies, such as acupuncture.
These types of treatments are generally considered safe and helpful if performed by a trained medical professional.
Three of the most commonly-sought physical treatments are massage therapy, chiropractic treatment, and physical therapy. Massage therapy is currently not covered through Medicare but chiropractic services and treatment and physical therapy are covered by Plan B.
What alternative medicine is covered by Medicare?
The most common type of alternative medicine covered by Medicare is acupuncture. This traditional Chinese medicine activates nerves, muscles, and tissue. Medicare Part B will cover acupuncture for 12 appointments in 90 days if the patient suffers from chronic lower back pain.
Medicare will typically also cover necessary chiropractic therapy services, pain management therapies, some dietary and nutritional therapies, and behavior therapies or mental health treatment.
In order for Medicare to cover these options, they must be recommended and performed by a doctor or qualified health care worker.
What options are there if your alternative medicine is not covered by Medicare?
If the type of alternative medicine you desire is not covered by Medicare, there are some options. The Medicare Advantage plan uses a third-party insurer. That insurer might cover more alternative medicine options than Medicare Plan B. However, it depends on the specific insurer and health insurance plans.
Another option is to document your sessions and appeal Medicare’s decision. In this case, you’ll be asking for the reimbursement of your treatment. A referral from a doctor for the treatment will help your appeal but does not guarantee reimbursement.
If Medicare does not cover your alternative medicine, you might consider choosing an affordable alternative medicine health insurance provider. While not every private health insurance company covers alternative medicine or alternative treatment, you might have a better chance than with Medicare.
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Medicare Part D and holistic treatments
Does Medicare cover alternative medicine if you have a prescription? Medicare Part D does provide financial support for prescription medications. This form of Medicare might assist in holistic treatments but they must satisfy certain requirements.
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.
- Available only by prescription.
- Used for a medically-approved purpose.
- Sold and used in the United States.
- Not already covered by Part A or Part B.
Read more: Best Holistic Doctors That Will Accept Medicare
Case Studies: Medicare Coverage of Alternative Medicine
Case Study 1: Acupuncture for Chronic Back Pain
Mary, a 68-year-old woman, has been dealing with chronic lower back pain for several years. Seeking relief outside of traditional medical treatments, she decides to try acupuncture.
Mary visits a qualified acupuncturist who recommends a course of 12 acupuncture sessions over a 90-day period. Fortunately, Medicare Part B covers acupuncture for chronic lower back pain, and since Mary’s treatments are recommended and performed by a qualified healthcare provider, she becomes eligible for coverage.
As a result, Medicare reimburses Mary for her acupuncture sessions, providing her with financial assistance for her alternative treatment.
Case Study 2: Chiropractic Care for Joint Pain
John, a 73-year-old man, has been experiencing persistent joint pain that affects his daily activities. Instead of relying solely on traditional medical approaches, John decides to explore chiropractic care. He visits a Medicare-approved chiropractor who performs manual manipulation of his joints to correct subluxations.
Luckily, Medicare Part B covers chiropractic services, including manual manipulation of the spine. Since John’s chiropractor is Medicare-approved, his treatments become eligible for coverage. Medicare helps offset a portion of John’s chiropractic care costs, making his alternative treatment more accessible and affordable.
Case Study 3: Massage Therapy for Muscle Tension
Sarah, a 70-year-old woman, has been struggling with muscle tension and stiffness, which affects her mobility and overall well-being. In search of relief, she turns to massage therapy as a non-traditional approach. Sarah visits a licensed massage therapist who specializes in therapeutic techniques.
However, Medicare does not currently cover massage therapy. As a result, Sarah must pay for her massage therapy sessions out of pocket, without the financial assistance that Medicare provides for other alternative treatments.
Does Medicare cover alternative medicine? The Bottom Line
The answer to does Medicare cover alternative medicine largely depends on the type of treatment. While most alternative treatments won’t be covered, some will. Checking your plan coverage or contacting Medicare will help you determine if your treatment is covered.
Enter your ZIP code to find the best alternative medicine health insurance rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover alternative medicine?
Yes, Medicare does cover certain types of alternative medicine, but the coverage is limited.
Is acupuncture covered by Medicare?
Yes, Medicare Part B covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain. However, there are specific criteria that need to be met for coverage, such as having a doctor’s referral and receiving services from a qualified provider.
How much does acupuncture cost?
Acupuncture is a commonly-used method of alternative medicine. Without Medicare, the initial appointment is around $100, with subsequent appointments being between $50 and $75. Check your coverage to see how much of your visits Medicare will pay.
Does Medicare cover chiropractic services?
Yes, Medicare Part B covers chiropractic services, but with some limitations. Coverage is provided for manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation (a partial dislocation) when performed by a Medicare-approved chiropractor.
Can I receive coverage for therapeutic massage under Medicare?
Medicare may cover therapeutic massage in specific situations, such as when it is considered medically necessary for the treatment of a specific condition or injury.
Is there a limit to the number of alternative medicine visits or treatments Medicare covers?
Yes, Medicare has limitations on the number of visits or treatments it covers for certain alternative medicine services. It is important to check with Medicare or your healthcare provider to understand the specific coverage limits for the service you are seeking.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket for alternative medicine services?
The amount you will have to pay out of pocket for alternative medicine services depends on the specific service, your Medicare plan, and whether the provider accepts Medicare assignment. You may be responsible for paying deductibles, coinsurance, or any charges that exceed Medicare-approved amounts.
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Eric Stauffer
Founder & Former Insurance Agent
Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. In addition to founding Expert Insurance Reviews, Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the...
Founder & Former Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.