New legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and is being championed by the American Chiropractic Association to increase Medicare coverage of chiropractic services.

Medicare Coverage for Chiropractic Patients

The Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2019 (H.R. 3654) proposes to allow Medicare beneficiaries access to a full-scope of services offered by chiropractors. For our patients, this means soft tissue treatments, exercise therapy, and musculoskeletal complaints not related to the spine would be covered! Currently, Medicare only covers spinal manipulation. Our doctor’s are musculoskeletal experts offering a broad-based, non-drug approach to pain management, including evaluation and management of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, manual manipulation of the spine and extremities, myofascial release and soft tissue treatments, rehabilitation, and exercise therapy. This non-drug approach offered by chiropractors has become an important strategy in national efforts to stem the epidemic of prescription opioid overuse and abuse.

Just The Facts: HR 3654

• Appropriately defines a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) as a “physician” in the Medicare program.
• Provides patient access to all Medicare-covered benefits allowable under a chiropractor’s state licensure.
• Requires that DCs complete a documentation webinar.
• Is bipartisan legislation, introduced by Reps. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.) and Tom Reed (R-N.Y.).

Please call your U.S. Representative and ask them to support this important piece of legislation allowing seniors full access to an important part of their health care options.