Does Medicare cover acupuncture or therapeutic massage?

Hey there! Thanks for reaching out with your question about Medicare coverage for acupuncture and therapeutic massage. I'm here to help shed some light on this topic for you.

Medicare coverage can be a bit tricky to navigate, but I'll do my best to break it down for you. As of now, Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover acupuncture or therapeutic massage. However, there are some situations where Medicare may provide coverage for these services.

Let's start with acupuncture. While Original Medicare doesn't typically cover acupuncture, there are some exceptions. Medicare will cover acupuncture for chronic low back pain if it's deemed medically necessary and provided by a qualified healthcare professional. In order to qualify for coverage, the acupuncture must be performed by a doctor of medicine or osteopathy, or by a licensed acupuncturist as defined by Medicare.

It's important to note that Medicare will only cover up to 12 acupuncture sessions within a 90-day period for chronic low back pain. If you're considering acupuncture for other conditions or general wellness, Medicare won't cover those services at this time.

Now, let's talk about therapeutic massage. Unfortunately, Original Medicare does not cover therapeutic massage, even if it's prescribed by a healthcare provider. This means that you would be responsible for the full cost of any therapeutic massage treatments you receive.

However, it's worth mentioning that some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may offer additional benefits beyond what Original Medicare covers. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, and they often include coverage for services like acupuncture and therapeutic massage. If you're interested in these services, it's a good idea to explore Medicare Advantage plans in your area to see if they offer the coverage you're looking for.

When it comes to costs, it's important to keep in mind that Medicare coverage for acupuncture and therapeutic massage may vary depending on your specific situation and the healthcare provider you choose. It's always a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider and Medicare directly to get the most accurate and up-to-date information about coverage and costs.

I hope this information helps clarify Medicare coverage for acupuncture and therapeutic massage. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. I'm here to help!

Brooke Collier

Acupuncture, Pain Management, Women's Health, Holistic Health

Brooke Collier, Ph.D., is a certified acupuncturist boasting over 15 years of experience in the industry. She obtained her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Specializing in pain management and women's health, Brooke is dedicated to informing the public about the numerous advantages of acupuncture and holistic health practices.