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January 16, 2025 | Press Releases

Representatives Steube and Larson Join Senators Cramer and Blumenthal to Introduce The Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act

WASHINGTON —  U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and John B. Larson (D-Conn.) today introduced legislation in the U.S. House to provide Medicare coverage for all physicians’ services furnished by doctors of chiropractic care. U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced companion legislation today in the U.S. Senate.

This bipartisan and bicameral legislation will ensure Medicare patients have access to chiropractic care as a non-drug alternative for pain management.
 
“I’m honored to represent the largest Medicare-eligible district in America. I take seriously my responsibility to craft policies that benefit the 4.8 million Floridians enrolled in Medicare. My legislation will provide Medicare beneficiaries across the country with more flexibility in their treatment options and will help lower the risk of individuals turning to opioids for pain management. Medicare beneficiaries deserve access to all chiropractic services without burdensome red tape,” said Rep. Greg Steube. 

“I am thrilled to introduce this legislation with my colleagues to reduce the barriers seniors face accessing chiropractic care,” said Rep. Larson.“While it is usually covered by private insurance and the VA, Medicare still does not cover some of the most common forms of chiropractic care, including joint mobilization and other treatments. This bill will ensure our nation’s seniors can finally access all forms of chiropractic care they may need through Medicare.”

“Medicare restrictions prevent chiropractors from offering patients a full scope of treatments or ordering diagnostic services for those who need them the most,” said Senator Cramer. “This bipartisan legislation reduces barriers to care and supports access to non-drug treatment options for our seniors.”

“Expanding Medicare coverage to include chiropractic service allows patients to access the quality care they deserve. Outdated regulations make it difficult for individuals to receive affordable treatments and often block them from receiving helpful, pain-relieving services. With the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, we put patients first and work to reduce barriers to care—allowing individuals to find the relief they need,” said Senator Blumenthal.

The Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act is supported by the American Chiropractic Association.

This legislation provides a path for Medicare recipients towards pain management without relying on prescriptions, such as opioids. Among older Medicare beneficiaries with spinal pain, the use of chiropractic care is associated with significantly lower risk of filling an opioid prescription.
 
Medicare first began providing beneficiaries access to chiropractic care in 1972. Since then, Medicare has only been able to reimburse services considered “medically necessary” and include burdensome red tape requirements.
 
The Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act removes obstacles imposed on Medicare recipients that aren’t required by private insurers, thus expanding Medicare coverage to include access to all chiropractic care. Medicare does not currently allow for chiropractic practices like joint mobilization, physiological therapies, soft tissue massage techniques, and other treatments, which are covered by private sector health coverage plans and other federal health delivery systems like the Department of Veterans Affairs. This legislation will bring Medicare chiropractic coverage more in line with services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, and private health insurance coverage.