Medicare Coverage for Acupuncture
Traditional Medicare (Part B)
Medicare Part B covers up to 20 acupuncture visits per year, but only for chronic low back pain. It does not cover acupuncture for any other condition.
Supplemental plans (Medigap) only help lower your out-of-pocket costs for services already covered by Medicare—they do not expand acupuncture benefits.
Currently, Medicare Part B only covers acupuncture when performed by:
- A Medical Doctor (MD)
- A Licensed Acupuncturist under the supervision of an MD
- A Nurse Practitioner who is also a Licensed Acupuncturist
- A Chiropractor who is also a Licensed Acupuncturist
Licensed Acupuncturists cannot bill Medicare Part B or supplemental plans directly. Services must be billed under a supervising MD. Because of this restriction, we cannot bill traditional Medicare at this time. This may change pending future legislation.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans often offer broader coverage than traditional Medicare and many include acupuncture benefits.
Licensed Acupuncturists can bill Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans directly, but coverage varies by plan—please check with your provider for details.