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

Question

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

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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 TN, CO, IA & 9 other states

Answered by Alyssa Gonzales Medicare Insurance Agent

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.

Aaron Solomon · Answer

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

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 to: bkconnections@comcast.net

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

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?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

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A non-government resource website