Does Medicare cover alternative medicine?

Alternative medicine provides a medical treatment option for those that wish to avoid traditional medicine. This umbrella term covers a wide variety of treatments that are considered non-traditional.

Does Medicare cover alternative medicine? The answer to that question depends on the type of treatment offered, who performed the treatment, and the plan you acquire. It can impact if you should have to pay for Medicare when you turn 65 or buy other health insurance.

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What is alternative medicine?

Commonly referred to as holistic medicine, alternative medicine is an umbrella term that covers any non-traditional medical treatment. This includes any medical practices or theories that fall outside generally-accepted treatments.

The term holistic medicine is commonly used because alternative medicine is focused on the entire body. This includes the body, mind, and spirit. Sometimes, alternative medicine will be used in conjunction with traditional medicine, a practice known as complementary medicine.

Some common types of alternative medicine include dietary supplements, yoga, massage therapy, and acupuncture. But does Medicare cover alternative medicine? The answer depends on multiple factors of your treatment.

Does Medicare cover alternative medicine?

Many types of alternative medicine are considered experimental. Medical experts consider them ineffective or dangerous. These types of alternative medicine will not be covered by Medicare and possibly not by any other coverage.

However, if you would rather drop an employer’s health insurance and go on Medicare, there are some types of alternative medicine that can be covered. This is usually physical treatment using alternative therapies, such as acupuncture.

These types of treatments are generally considered safe and helpful if performed by a trained medical professional.

Three of the most commonly-sought physical treatments are massage therapy, chiropractic treatment, and physical therapy. Massage therapy is currently not covered through Medicare but chiropractic services and treatment and physical therapy are covered by Plan B.

What alternative medicine is covered by Medicare?

The most common type of alternative medicine covered by Medicare is acupuncture. This traditional Chinese medicine activates nerves, muscles, and tissue. Medicare Part B will cover acupuncture for 12 appointments in 90 days if the patient suffers from chronic lower back pain.

Medicare will typically also cover necessary chiropractic therapy services, pain management therapies, some dietary and nutritional therapies, and behavior therapies or mental health treatment.

In order for Medicare to cover these options, they must be recommended and performed by a doctor or qualified health care worker.

What options are there if your alternative medicine is not covered by Medicare?

If the type of alternative medicine you desire is not covered by Medicare, there are some options. The Medicare Advantage plan uses a third-party insurer. That insurer might cover more alternative medicine options than Medicare Plan B. However, it depends on the specific insurer and health insurance plans.

Another option is to document your sessions and appeal Medicare’s decision. In this case, you’ll be asking for the reimbursement of your treatment. A referral from a doctor for the treatment will help your appeal but does not guarantee reimbursement.

If Medicare does not cover your alternative medicine, you might consider choosing an affordable alternative medicine health insurance provider. While not every private health insurance company covers alternative medicine or alternative treatment, you might have a better chance than with Medicare.

Medicare Part D and holistic treatments

Does Medicare cover alternative medicine if you have a prescription? Medicare Part D does provide financial support for prescription medications. This form of Medicare might assist in holistic treatments but they must satisfy certain requirements.

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.
• Available only by prescription.
• Used for a medically-approved purpose.
• Sold and used in the United States.
• Not already covered by Part A or Part B.

Read more: Best Holistic Doctors That Will Accept Medicare

Case Studies: Medicare Coverage of Alternative Medicine

Case Study 1: Acupuncture for Chronic Back Pain

Mary, a 68-year-old woman, has been dealing with chronic lower back pain for several years. Seeking relief outside of traditional medical treatments, she decides to try acupuncture.

Mary visits a qualified acupuncturist who recommends a course of 12 acupuncture sessions over a 90-day period. Fortunately, Medicare Part B covers acupuncture for chronic lower back pain, and since Mary’s treatments are recommended and performed by a qualified healthcare provider, she becomes eligible for coverage.

As a result, Medicare reimburses Mary for her acupuncture sessions, providing her with financial assistance for her alternative treatment.

Case Study 2: Chiropractic Care for Joint Pain

John, a 73-year-old man, has been experiencing persistent joint pain that affects his daily activities. Instead of relying solely on traditional medical approaches, John decides to explore chiropractic care. He visits a Medicare-approved chiropractor who performs manual manipulation of his joints to correct subluxations.

Luckily, Medicare Part B covers chiropractic services, including manual manipulation of the spine. Since John’s chiropractor is Medicare-approved, his treatments become eligible for coverage. Medicare helps offset a portion of John’s chiropractic care costs, making his alternative treatment more accessible and affordable.

Case Study 3: Massage Therapy for Muscle Tension

Sarah, a 70-year-old woman, has been struggling with muscle tension and stiffness, which affects her mobility and overall well-being. In search of relief, she turns to massage therapy as a non-traditional approach. Sarah visits a licensed massage therapist who specializes in therapeutic techniques.

However, Medicare does not currently cover massage therapy. As a result, Sarah must pay for her massage therapy sessions out of pocket, without the financial assistance that Medicare provides for other alternative treatments.

Does Medicare cover alternative medicine? The Bottom Line

The answer to does Medicare cover alternative medicine largely depends on the type of treatment. While most alternative treatments won’t be covered, some will. Checking your plan coverage or contacting Medicare will help you determine if your treatment is covered.

Enter your ZIP code to find the best alternative medicine health insurance rates.