Does Medicaid cover chiropractic care?
Last verified:
Only in states that include it, and even there federal rules limit it to manual manipulation of the spine. Federal rule: optional, limited by regulation.
What federal law says
Chiropractors are covered, if at all, under other licensed practitioner services, 42 CFR 440.60(b), which limits Medicaid chiropractic to treatment by means of manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation. X-rays, supplements, massage and other services a chiropractor may offer are outside that definition even in states that cover the adjustment.
Coverage is a minority position. States that include it usually cap visits per year and require the diagnosis to be spinal, and managed care plans may require a referral.
Where chiropractic is not covered, physical therapy for the same back or neck problem often is, which is the practical substitute.
Children under 21
EPSDT can cover chiropractic manipulation for a child when medically necessary, though states rarely see such requests.
What to ask your state plan
- Ask the plan whether 'other licensed practitioner' services include chiropractors before the first visit; many offices will bill you directly if they do not.
- Find your state's agency, program name and phone on Medicaid by state.
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Common questions
Does Medicaid cover chiropractic care?
Only in states that include it, and even there federal rules limit it to manual manipulation of the spine.
Does Medicaid cover chiropractic care for children?
EPSDT can cover chiropractic manipulation for a child when medically necessary, though states rarely see such requests.
How do I find out whether my state's Medicaid covers chiropractic care?
Three places. Your plan's member handbook or benefit summary, which lists the covered services and limits; the state Medicaid agency's provider manual for the service, which is public and states the medical-necessity criteria; and the member services line on your card, which can run a coverage check for a specific procedure code. Our state pages list each agency's phone and portal.
Sources
- 42 CFR 440.60 (other licensed practitioners, including chiropractors)
- medicaid.gov: mandatory and optional Medicaid benefits
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