Is Chiropractic Care Covered Under Health Insurance?
Have you been considering visiting a chiropractor but have been hesitant, unsure whether it will cost an arm and a leg? Fortunately, most health insurance plans cover the cost of chiropractic care. That’s great news for the 20 million or so people who visit a chiropractor each year. Most insurance plans do have some limitations but, in most cases, short term care is covered – or at least partially covered.
According to the New York Times:
Chiropractic is included in most health insurance plans, including major medical plans, workers’ compensation, Medicare, some Medicaid plans and Blue Cross Blue Shield’s federal employee plan, among others.
In addition, the Internal Revenue Service includes chiropractic services as a valid medical deduction.
Insurance Plans Tend to Cover Chiropractic Care for the Following:
- Treatment of Short-term Conditions
- Rehabilitation or Recovery from Injury
- Some Chronic Conditions
- Recovery from an Illness
It’s unlikely that your health insurance plan will cover on-going chiropractic treatment or maintenance care. If you’ve started seeing a chiropractor following an injury or car accident and have begun to get better, the insurance plan may stop covering your care. Keep in mind, this isn’t always the case, and it’s important to check with your insurance provider to determine what limitations they may have.
Different Types of Insurance – And What’s Covered
There are different types of insurance plans which can affect whether or not chiropractic care is covered or not. For instance, job-based plans may provide more coverage if the type of job is more physically demanding – resulting in a higher chance of chiropractic need.
Additionally, some state laws will require insurance companies to provide coverage for chiropractic treatment – or something similar. Health coverage from the Affordable Care Act marketplace tends to include chiropractic care if the services help people with injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions gain or recover mental and physical skills.
Again, most plans will have some restrictions and limitations. They may not cover preventative care, maintenance care, or simply have limitations on the number of visits covered each year or coverage up to a specific dollar amount. Check with your insurance company to determine what restrictions or limitations they have to ensure you can take advantage of any coverage they may offer.
Need to Schedule Chiropractic Treatment in Wichita, KS?
If you’re looking for a chiropractor in the Wichita area, contact Stanley Chiropractic to schedule an exam. We accept most insurance providers and can help you get the coverage you deserve.
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