Medicare Coverage Rules Are Outdated: “That’s Bananas!”

October is National Chiropractic Health Month, and while we celebrate the benefits of Chiropractic Care, there’s a serious problem: Medicare only covers one part of Chiropractic visits: spinal manipulation. Exams, imaging, and therapeutic services? Not covered. That’s bananas!

The Problem:
Seniors often face musculoskeletal pain and want safe, non-drug options.
Medicare’s outdated policy forces patients to pay out-of-pocket for essential services.
Other federal programs like the VA and Department of Defense already cover full Chiropractic Care. Medicare should, too.

The Solution:
Two bipartisan bills: H.R. 539 and S. 106. These bills would fix this by allowing Chiropractors to be reimbursed for the full scope of services they are licensed to provide under state law. This means better access, safer care, and fewer unnecessary prescriptions.

Why It Matters:
Expanding coverage helps seniors manage pain without opioids.
It reduces healthcare costs by preventing complications and ER visits.
It aligns Medicare with modern standards of care.

Take Action Now:
Medicare shouldn’t be this bananas! Contact your legislators and tell them to support H.R. 539 and S. 106. It takes less than two minutes.

By Lori-Anne Vogel, CEO Cornerstone Service Corp, Inc.