Medicare Part B covers a limited type of chiropractic care: manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation. This is a spinal joint that is not moving properly but remains in place.

The manipulation may be performed by hand or with an approved device.

What Medicare Does Not Cover From a Chiropractor

Original Medicare generally does not cover other services or tests a chiropractor performs or orders, including:

Another qualified medical provider may order or provide a separately covered service, but it is not covered simply because a chiropractor recommends it.

Treatment must aim to improve or correct a qualifying condition. Medicare does not cover continued adjustments simply to keep a stable condition from changing, even if you have a subluxation diagnosis.

What Does It Cost?

After the Part B deductible, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered manipulation when the chiropractor accepts Medicare’s approved amount as full payment, called accepting assignment.

Ask the office to separate the manipulation charge from exams, imaging, or massage. The office may give you an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN), a written notice about care it expects Medicare will not pay for. Different notice rules apply to care Medicare normally covers and services it never covers. An ABN does not turn an excluded service into a covered one. See how ABN choices work.

Medicare explains the limits on its chiropractic coverage page.

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage must cover the Medicare-required spinal manipulation benefit. Some plans offer additional chiropractic visits, but networks, copayments, referrals, and visit limits may apply.

Ask for a service-by-service cost estimate. A package price should show the covered manipulation separately from services you will pay for yourself.

Medicare policy sources last checked: October 8, 2026.