Holistic Medicine and Medicare

Holistic and alternative medicines are having a moment. From the mainstream popularity of chiropractic care to the legalization of medical marijuana in many states, you might be wondering what (if any) of these services and products does Medicare cover? We’re exploring holistic medicine and Medicare coverage to help you make informed decisions about your care choices.

Chiropractic care

Chiropractic care is not itself strictly an alternative medical practice, since chiropractors are required to attend a specialty school for 4+ years. But many of the treatments offered by chiropractors fall into this category. According to the Medicare website, Medicare Part B “covers manipulation of the spine by a chiropractor or other qualified provider to correct a subluxation (when the spinal joints fail to move properly but the contact between the joints remains intact). Medicare doesn't cover other services or tests a chiropractor orders, including X-rays.”

For those with Original Medicare, you will pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you have met the Part B deductible. It is also worth noting that this is not an unlimited service and the exact number of visits you can have per years will depend on your diagnosis.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture uses pressure or needles to stimulate specific spots on the body to help relieve pain. This alternative medicine practice originated in ancient China, and although many believe in its effectiveness, there is little conclusive evidence to say it actually works. This is why Medicare only offers limited coverage of acupuncture in limited circumstances.

For those with chronic lower back pain that meets the eligibility criteria, Medicare Part B will cover up to 12 acupuncture sessions with a doctor or other health care professional who has an advanced degree from an accredited institution and has a license to practice acupuncture in your state. Without those qualifications, Medicare will not cover it.

If you show signs of improvement during those 12 visits, you may get approved for an additional eight sessions to be spread out over the year for a grand total of 20 sessions per calendar year. Your copay will be 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you have reached your Part B deductible.

Massage therapy

Original Medicare does not cover massage therapy service. You will be 100% responsible for this non-covered service. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer this as a benefit, so be sure to review your MA plan information to see if this applies.

Naturopathy

Naturopathic medicine is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on natural, non-invasive treatment for disease prevention. They use natural remedies, such as herbal supplements, to promote whole body wellness. Original Medicare, along with many insurance companies, do not cover naturopathic medicine because it is not a federally licensed field of medicine. Additionally, many of their treatments are considered medications and supplements, which would fall outside the scope of Original Medicare coverage.

Homeopathic treatments

Homeopathic medicine uses natural remedies to treat illness and disease. Original Medicare does not cover homeopathic remedies and you will be responsible for the total cost of these services.

Essential oils

Essential oils and aromatherapy are believed by practitioners to treat a variety of ailments and conditions. However, there isn’t much science to support those claims. Original Medicare, and many insurance companies, do not cover these products.

CBD oil

CBD oil, which is a cannabis product that does not contain the psychoactive compound THC, has become a popular naturalistic treatment for a variety of ills, including inflammation and muscle tension. We even have a post in our Learning Center that looks at CBD oil in more detail. Medicare does not cover CBD oil as a medical treatment at this time because CBD products are not regulated by the Food & Drug Administration.

Medical marijuana

Medical marijuana is used to describe cannabis that is used to treat medical conditions. In states where this is legal, medical marijuana requires a physician prescription to be filled at a lawful and regulated facility. However, marijuana is still illegal at the federal level and lacks FDA approval, which means Medicare will not cover it.

Conclusion

Medicare provides coverage for a wide variety of health services, including some that fall into the holistic category. You can always use the coverage search feature on the Medicare website to see whether a specialization, service or treatment is covered. And if you ever have questions about this or any Medicare topics, feel free to reach out to a licensed Medicare agent. Our PlanEnroll agents are happy to help!

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