My doctor wants me to try acupuncture for my back pain. Will Medicare cover any of this?

Question

Clarence &quot;Mark&quot; Christiansen · Accepted Answer

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Dana Dane · Answer

Medicare does not cover acupuncture however, some Medicare Advantage plans offer some coverage.  Please contact your insurance agent for more information about plans in your area.

Eduardo Camacho · Answer

Yes Medicare can cover Acupuncture,  the amount of coverage will be outlined on the in the individual advantage plan or if enrolled in a Medigap plan then Medicare will cover at least eight sessions

Fred Manas · Answer

Yes, Medicare Part B will cover acupuncture for chronic low back pain, but with some limitations. Medicare coverage specifically applies when the pain has been ongoing for 12 weeks or longer, and it's not linked to an obvious cause like infection, inflammation, or cancer. 

More Details:

Coverage:
Medicare Part B will cover up to 12 acupuncture sessions within a 90-day period. 
Additional Sessions:
If the initial 12 sessions show improvement, Medicare may cover an additional 8 sessions. 

Annual Limit:
The total number of covered sessions is capped at 20 in a 12-month period. 
Provider Requirements:
The acupuncture services must be provided by a qualified healthcare provider, often a licensed physician or other advanced practice provider, who meets specific Medicare requirements. 

Cost-Sharing:
After you've met your Part B deductible, you'll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for each covered session.

Gary Henderson · Answer

Yes, Medicare does cover acupuncture just to look at original Medicare at least. As far as your Medicare advantage plans, that would be up to each insurance company as to whether they cover that or not

Answered by Gary Henderson on May 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states

Answered by Gary Henderson Medicare Insurance Agent

Sam Silva · Answer

No, Medicare generally does not cover acupuncture for back pain under Original Medicare.

However, Medicare Part B does cover acupuncture for chronic low back pain, but only if it meets specific criteria.

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

Yes, it's covered under Part B, up to 12 sessions in a 90 day period for lower back pain and an additional 8 sessions if you show improvement.

Steven Lovell · Answer

Yes medicare will cover acupuncture for low back pain up to 20 sessions per year through Medicare A and Medicare B

Randy Hill · Answer

Yes, Medicare can help pay for acupuncture — but only if it’s for chronic low back pain (that means back pain that’s lasted 12 weeks or more).

Here’s how it works:

Medicare will cover up to 12 visits to try and help with the pain.

If it’s helping, they’ll cover 8 more, for a total of 20 visits a year.

If it’s not helping, they stop covering it and you’d have to pay yourself.

You also need to see someone Medicare approves — like a doctor or nurse with special acupuncture training (not just anyone with an acupuncture license).

After you pay your Part B deductible (which is $257 in 2025), you’ll pay 20% of the cost for each visit.

Important: They only cover it for low back pain — not for other things like neck pain, arthritis, or stress.

Some Advantage plans have it included within their plan so be sure to check with your plan if you are on an Advantage plan. 

Hope this helps.

Robert Barco · Answer

Original Medicare will cover a limited number of visits for lower back pain only under Part B. Your doctor or a qualified health care professional will supervise the procedure. It is possible that a Medicare Advantage plan may offer more acupuncture services. Check with the Medicare Advantage plan to learn more.

Answered by Robert Barco on April 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Robert Barco Medicare Insurance Agent

My doctor wants me to try acupuncture for my back pain. Will Medicare cover any of this?

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