Does Medicare Cover Acupuncture

Historically, Medicare doesn’t cover acupuncture. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced they would include acupuncture for chronic lower back pain. The decision is part of an effort to support alternative pain therapies and reduce dependence on opioid painkillers.

The new Medicare rule applies to acupuncture for chronic lower back pain. There’s no Medicare coverage for acupuncture to treat neck pain, headaches, stress, or relief from chemo. Medicare does NOT cover acupuncture to treat pain in other parts of the body.

Mostly, Medicare doesn’t cover acupuncture (outside of relief for chronic lower back pain) because this treatment is still considered naturopathic care. For those with chronic pain in other places, you’ll likely need to see a pain management specialist. In instances where the pain is caused by a misaligned spine, chiropractic care may have coverage.

Medicare will pay for up to 12 acupuncture visits in 90 days. It will also cover an additional eight months for patients who have shown improvement. Medicare covers at most 20 sessions per year.

Medicare Advantage plans vary by location, not all plans offered are going to cover Acupuncture. But, Humana and UnitedHealthcare both offer plans in select areas with some acupuncture coverage. There may be other carriers that offer this benefit, but it really just depends on the plans available in your service area.

Medicare Supplements will cover any benefit that Medicare covers. So, if Medicare approves the acupuncture, the Medigap company will pay a portion of the bill. But, when Medicare denies coverage for treatment, Medigap won’t cover either.