Shouldn't Medicare expand to cover more alternative treatments that actually help seniors?

Question

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

Okay. The question is, should Medicare be expanded to include more alternative treatments? In a perfect world, absolutely. However, there's a cost factor involved. Medicare is funded by the federal government. The more the federal government has to pay to Medicare to cover things like alternative medical treatments, that ultimately will result in a higher cost of Medicare and higher income taxes. So, Medicare tries to cover medically necessary treatments. If you need a heart transplant, a kidney, or any other organ transplant, it's covered by Medicare. Your doctor needs to certify that this is a necessary treatment. Treatments are covered by Medicare. The more you bring in alternative treatments and make them the responsibility of Medicare to pay, the higher the cost, the higher our taxes, and the higher the cost of Medicare. It's too bad, but that's the way things are. Someone's got to pay for it. Might as well be us.

Ryan George · Answer

Medicare has actually been moving this direction already!

Acupuncture for chronic low back pain was added in 2020, chiropractic has been covered for years, and many Medicare Advantage plans now include acupuncture, chiropractic, and fitness benefits as supplemental coverage. The real question isn't "alternative vs. conventional" but whether a treatment has solid evidence behind it.

Jo Gallo · Answer

Only an act of Congress can change what Medicare covers.  Please write your Congressperson.  Thank you.

Melissa Foster · Answer

YES! YES! YES! 

This would require additional data on each service proving effectiveness, the benefit and the overall cost, THEN you have to get the congress or CMS to do a policy change.

Diana Garner · Answer

It is an ongoing topic of discussion, and if there is a better alternative than general medications or treatments, it should be an option.

Even if prior authorization is required or the beneficiary must try general methods first, it should be offered.

Jim Tretola · Answer

Well, this is an opinion question, so I will offer my opinion.
As a Senior who has paid into this system all my life, my answer is absolutely YES.
However, I do believe there should be checks and balances, so that it is not abused.
Alternative treatments should be studied for results and if they prove effective, should be allowed.

Kristen Skinner · Answer

Hello. Well technically they should. However, this is something embedded in CMS rules and regulations. It is beyond our control what the government does with Medicare. Just make sure you voice is heard, in meetings or by voting.

Answered by Kristen Skinner on May 22, 2026

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Kristen Skinner Medicare Insurance Agent

Leslie Kaz · Answer

This is a fantastic idea. As research progresses and the results of different modalities become clear, I would be very interested to see this happen.

Currently, insurance companies are generally willing to cover only the "standards of care," which are guidelines developed by the AMA to ensure the public is protected from unproven or ineffective treatments. While there is considerable anecdotal evidence supporting alternative treatments, it is crucial to scientifically validate those that demonstrate positive outcomes and meet rigorous safety standards to safeguard public health.

I hope the new HHS director will approve funding for research into alternative therapies that show promise of beneficial outcomes for everyone. Fingers crossed!

James Stang · Answer

I absolutely think it should but that is a question for Congress. I'm sure any of the carriers would support alternative treatments that are proven to be effective.

Dana Dane · Answer

Medicare covers chiropractic services.  Some Medicare Advantage plans cover other alternative services.  Please call your agent to see what plans are available in your area.

Betty McCarty · Answer

Medicare does not normally cover most holistic medicine or other alternative therapies.

However, some Medicare Advantage Plans may provide extended benefits to cover a variety of health and wellness services that are considered holistic or alternative therapies. 

Examples of alternative therapies covered under Medicare Part B may include acupuncture for chronic low back pain, chiropractic services for spinal manipulation, and certain types of physical therapy.

medicare.gov is a really good tool for information. 

Also, I am happy to schedule an appointment with you, please feel free to email your request for an appointment.

Kelly Linster · Answer

I don’t disagree with your question. We must keep in mind that changes to original Medicare will take an act of Congress, literally and figuratively.

Aaron Solomon · Answer

Medicare is bout traditional heqlth solutions. They do not cover alternative treatments. You may find some MAPD covering some alterative treatments.

Antonio Rodriguez · Answer

That’s a question a lot of people are asking right now.

Medicare’s coverage decisions are usually based on whether a treatment is considered “medically necessary” and supported by strong clinical evidence. Some alternative treatments don’t get covered because Medicare requires large-scale studies showing safety and effectiveness.

That said, Medicare has expanded certain benefits over time — for example, it now covers some acupuncture for chronic low back pain and certain preventive services that weren’t included years ago.

If there’s a specific treatment you’re wondering about, I can help you check whether Medicare covers it, whether a Medicare Advantage plan offers it as an extra benefit, or what other options might help reduce the cost.

What treatment were you thinking about?

Charles Borg · Answer

Medicare only covers treatments that are proven to be effective. Alternative treatments have to be proven effective before they can be covered.

Abigail Turner · Answer

My personal answer to this question is YES! While Medicare is pretty proactive and preventative friendly in coverage, it's not so much "alternative treatment" friendly in most cases. But I don't think this is just a Medicare issue and is a health insurance issue at large. We are more educated than ever and have access to information that confirms things like diet, certain vitamins/supplements, hormone therapies, etc are hugely successful and cost effective but are currently not covered by insurance or approved by the FDA for general medical use. I hope this changes as I have seen the benefits in my own life. For now, the best answer I can give is use your insurance for traditional treatments and if you can, put a little extra cash aside to pay out of pocket for some of those "alterative" treatments.

Answered by Abigail Turner on June 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in KS, AR, AZ & 13 other states

Answered by Abigail Turner Medicare Insurance Agent

Kris Neupauer · Answer

It's a great question.  I want to make sure that I understand what you're looking for specifically, what alternative treatments are you looking for?

Mike Wetsel · Answer

Absolutely agree.  In order to fund it, we need to be diligent about not funding treatments that do not benefit seniors.

Alyssa Gonzales · Answer

This is a hot topic! Medicare mainly covers treatments that have strong clinical evidence behind them, but many seniors find relief through alternative options too. Medicare is evolving! It would be great to see more coverage for alternative medicine! Stay tuned!

Answered by Alyssa Gonzales on April 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in Tx, CO, IA & 9 other states

Answered by Alyssa Gonzales Medicare Insurance Agent

Douglas Carney · Answer

Yes. As a Medicare-specialized health insurance broker, I hear your call for Medicare to cover more alternative treatments that truly benefit seniors, and it’s an exciting idea with real potential for the future! Expanding coverage to include evidence-based alternative therapies—like acupuncture for chronic pain, massage for mobility, or nutritional counseling—could enhance seniors’ quality of life, reduce reliance on medications, and even lower costs long-term. 

Medicare already covers some alternatives, like chiropractic care or wellness programs in certain Medicare Advantage plans, and the 2025 expansion of mental health services shows progress. Advocating for more through Medicare.gov or supporting pilot programs could push this forward, promising a future where seniors thrive with holistic, effective care options tailored to their needs.

Dan Green · Answer

The term " medically necessary" is what a doctor needs to tell the insurance carriers to determine whether it will be covered under Medicare or not. As technology increases, more and more items that were not covered in the past are covered today. "Help" as we all know, can be very subjective.

Answered by Dan Green on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC

Answered by Dan Green Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Coleshill · Answer

There are likely a few naturalistic approaches that seem effective, such as massage therapy, acupuncture, and herbal supplements. However, there’s the issue of quality control and, of course, evidence. Which ones have been tested enough to ensure they are safe and, of course, actually work?

Answered by Gary Coleshill on August 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Gary Coleshill Medicare Insurance Agent

Shouldn't Medicare expand to cover more alternative treatments that actually help seniors?

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Shouldn't Medicare expand to cover more alternative treatments that actually help seniors?

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