Does Medicare Advantage cover acupuncture or alternative therapies in some plans?

Question

Leslie Helene Sussman · Accepted Answer

Yes Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover Acupuncture.  Always check your Summary of Benefits.    The Acupuncture benefit could be covered for chronic low back pain only.   Not all providers could be included.

also See page 30 in your Medicare and You Handbook 2025

Tony Capraro III · Answer

That depends on what Medicare Advantage plan you have.  Simply call the plan you have and inquire!  Good luck!

Melonie Wood · Answer

Depending on the plan, if it's an HMO or PPO, many PPO plans DO cover acupuncture. not many cover alternative options, this is why you need to look at each plan carefully

Clarence &quot;Mark&quot; Christiansen · Answer

Yes, some Medicare Advantage plans cover acupuncture and in order to find out if alternate therapies are covered, this too is plan dependent. Here in Wisconsin, an independent agent like myself has access to Medicare plans from UHC, Humana, Aetna, Network Health, Quartz Health Plans, Molina and Wellcare so it's always wise to check with an experienced, Medicare agent to learn about specific plan benefits.

Answered by Clarence "Mark" Christiansen on April 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in WI, AZ, CA & 16 other states

Answered by Clarence "Mark" Christiansen Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Denniston · Answer

The short answer is yes, some MAPD plans do cover acupuncture and chiropractor services. It is especially important to check to see what criteria are needed to get these benefits. These plans vary from state-to-state county to county and even zip code to zip code. A lot of area do not cover this, so be sure before you enroll.

Answered by Michael Denniston on June 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 11 other states

Answered by Michael Denniston Medicare Insurance Agent

Christy Jones · Answer

Some plans cover acupuncture and alternative therapies and some do not.  Plan benefits like these vary from plan to plan as well as state to state.

William Gray · Answer

Medicare covers up to 12 treatments for accupunture for " low back pain that has lasted 12 weeks or longer) it is covered only in this situation. 

A Medicare Advantage plan has to offer at least what Medicare offers and can offer extra coverage. 

So while all Medicare advantage plans have to offers "accupunture" in this situation it is up to the plan whether they offer additional coverage outside of the Original Medicare Benefit.

David Silver · Answer

Sometimes. It depends on your plan. Medicare Advantage plans can cover acupuncture and other alternative therapies. Medicare Advantage offer additional benefits, such as coverage for acupuncture and other complementary therapies.

Answered by David Silver on March 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, NJ & NV

Answered by David Silver Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Caldwell · Answer

Yes, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage for acupuncture and other alternative therapies beyond what is typically covered by Original Medicare. Original Medicare covers acupuncture specifically for chronic lower back pain. While all Medicare Advantage plans must cover the same services as Original Medicare, they can choose to offer additional benefits, including expanded acupuncture coverage. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Original Medicare Coverage:
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers acupuncture only for chronic lower back pain. 

Medicare Advantage Plans:
Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are an alternative to Original Medicare provided by private insurance companies. 

Expanded Coverage:
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits, including acupuncture for conditions beyond chronic lower back pain, or other alternative therapies like massage or biofeedback. 

Plan Specifics:
The extent of acupuncture and alternative therapy coverage can vary significantly from plan to plan. 

Verification:
You should always check with your specific Medicare Advantage plan provider to determine what is and isn't covered. 

In-network Providers:
Many Medicare Advantage plans may require you to use in-network providers and may have referral requirements.

Michael Andrews · Answer

Yes some do! There are plans depending on where you live that may offer alternative therapies such as chiropractic and acupuncture. It is important to keep in mind that you can only use alternative providers that have a contract with the insurance company of your plan.

Answered by Michael Andrews on April 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in CT

Answered by Michael Andrews Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

This will depend upon the State you live in. There are some companies who have picked up acupuncture over the years while others did not. You will have to check by calling your state department of insurance to determine that. Moreover, naturalpaths are not covered by Medicare so if you enjoy using natural substances, until legislation is ever passed, those costs for the supplements/vitamins you take will not be paid for.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Timothy Brown · Answer

Yes there are certain plans that cover acupuncture but I’ve not seen alternative therapy in any Medicare Advantage plans.

Steven Lovell · Answer

Yes medicare does cover acupuncture specifically for low back pain.  There are a limited number of visits per year allowed.

Dana Dane · Answer

Yes, some Medicare Advantage plans cover acupuncture and naturopaths.  Please call your local agent who has access to all the plans available in your area.

Katheryn Evans · Answer

Some Medicare Advantage plans cover non-Medicare acupuncture treatments and/or alternative therapies.  Otherwise, these are not covered by Medicare.

Acupuncture to treat chronic low back pain is covered by Medicare.

Frank Pfister · Answer

Yes, actually—some Medicare Advantage plans do offer coverage for acupuncture and even other alternative therapies. It really depends on the specific plan, but it’s definitely something worth looking into.

Answered by Frank Pfister on April 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL & GA

Answered by Frank Pfister Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

Yes, some Medicare Advantage plans may cover acupuncture and other alternative therapies, but it's not a universal benefit. While original Medicare (Part B) covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain, some Medicare Advantage plans offer broader coverage, including for other pain conditions or other alternative therapies. 
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Original Medicare (Part B):
Covers acupuncture for chronic lower back pain. 
Medicare Advantage (Part C):
Must provide the same coverage as original Medicare, but can also offer additional benefits, including broader acupuncture coverage. 
Expanded Coverage in Some MA Plans:
Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover acupuncture for other pain conditions, such as nausea or general chronic pain, beyond what's covered by original Medicare. 
Alternative Therapies:
Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage for other alternative therapies like chiropractic care, massage therapy, or biofeedback, depending on the specific plan. 
Check Your Plan:
It's crucial to review your specific Medicare Advantage plan's details or contact the plan provider to determine what acupuncture and alternative therapy coverage is available. 
Extra Costs:
While some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits, you may still have to pay a deductible, copayment, or coinsurance for covered acupuncture or alternative therapy services. 
Network Requirements:
Some plans may require you to use in-network providers and/or may need referrals or preauthorization from a medical doctor.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Yes, some Medicare Advantage plans may cover acupuncture and other alternative therapies, Original Medicare covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain, Medicare Advantage plans can offer broader coverage for acupuncture and other alternative therapies, including massage therapy, chiropractic care, and biofeedback,

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on May 29, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Carol Thompson · Answer

Yes on Some plans but not too many cover acupuncture. 

They will cover some
Chiropractic, physical and speech therapies.

Linda Davies · Answer

Yes, Medicare (Part B) medical insurance covers acupuncture for certain chronic low back pain.

You can check with your primary care physician about acupuncture treatments and alternative therapies offered by your particular plan.  Also, depending on your plan, you may need a referral from your PCP to see a specialist for treatment.

This information is also available in your plan’s Evidence Of Coverage (EOC).

You may also call the member service number on the back of your member ID card with questions about your plan’s coverage for chronic low back pain.

Karen Ansell · Answer

Yes, Medicare Advantage plans will cover acupuncture like original Medicare and can offer alternative therapies. make sure you review your plans benefits.

Gary Haft · Answer

Medicare for many years did not allow for Acupuncture to be covered, but I now believe that many of the Medicare Advantage Plans may be covering acupuncture, but you MUST confirm with the advantage plan you wish to enroll in before you actually enroll.

Answered by Gary Haft on July 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, DC & 9 other states

Answered by Gary Haft Medicare Insurance Agent

David Christian · Answer

Yes some Medicare Advantage Plans do offer acupuncture, chiropractic and other alternative therapies. Contact me if you would like to know more about specific plans that may be in your area. 909-992-1182

Answered by David Christian on May 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA & TX

Answered by David Christian Medicare Insurance Agent

Ross Landon · Answer

Part B of Medicare will cover some Acupunture if you have Chronic Lower back pain as diagnosed by a Doctor.  

There are other limitations too, so check with An Agent  or your Provider so you know  your treatments will be covered!  Most plans limit even those visits to 12 times a year or monthly treatments!  Also expect to pay some coinsurance percentage and also some dollar copayments as well!

Adam Ashby · Answer

There are some plans that do allow for coverage with acupuncture and alternative therapies. Most of the carriers that allow that will have it as a specific dollar amount of coverage that you have to pay for the service and then get reimbursed. Most carriers that allow for this are smaller organizations who are trying to carve out a niche. It is important to review what carriers and plans are in your area to determine this availability.

Answered by Adam Ashby on May 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, NE, UT, WA & WY

Answered by Adam Ashby Medicare Insurance Agent

Hector Vazquez · Answer

Yes, a lot of Medicare Advantage plans cover therapies like acupuncture and some cover alternative therapies but not all. Speak to a licensed agent before making a choice.

Toni Johnson · Answer

Medicare Advantage does cover some some types of alternative therapies or acupuncture on certain plans. If there is a need, make sure when the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15th through December 7t, you look for plans that carry the specific benefits you are needing.

Answered by Toni Johnson on May 19, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, IN, MO & 5 other states

Answered by Toni Johnson Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Evans · Answer

Acupuncture is covered in Medicare Part B. Always check with providers to ensure that it’s covered.

David Treadway · Answer

Every plan has a detailed outline of coverage called a Summary of Benefits ("SOB"), which may list that type of service. If you can't find that service in the SOB, then you would need to look in the Evidence of Coverage to see if that particular service is covered. That is the long answer, the short answer is that some plans do and some plans don't cover acupuncture or alternatives to it. Find a qualified independent broker in your area to help you find the specific answer to that question. I hope this was helpful. Good luck!

Answered by David Treadway on June 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in OH, IN, KY & MI, SC, TN & VA

Answered by David Treadway Medicare Insurance Agent

Richard Kozlowski · Answer

Yes, Some plans.

Does Medicare Advantage cover acupuncture or alternative therapies in some plans?

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