Has your back been acting up again, or maybe you’ve noticed your sciatica is worse than ever? It may be time to consider chiropractic care to alleviate these nagging problems. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation for proper alignment of the body’s musculoskeletal system.
This manipulation is used to restore mobility to joints, with an emphasis on the spine, and help people avoid the need for surgery or medication. But does your insurance cover this care? Let’s take a closer look.
Understanding Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic treatment can address a litany of health problems beyond just back and neck pain, with a variety of treatment options. A leading Denver chiropractic firm will start with non-surgical manipulation to readjust the spine, creating a treatment plan as needed to tackle anything from scoliosis to just a simple realignment. Issues with the spinal column, stemming from anything from poor posture to a car accident, can actually cause other ailments, including headaches and migraines.
Chiropractors may also approach acupuncture as an option. This is the use of needles to alleviate various types of pain all over the body. This active release technique is meant to better blood flow throughout the musculoskeletal system. Massage therapy can also soothe tension in the muscle, a common physical therapy option that is used to address sports injuries. There’s also spinal decompression therapy, a non-invasive solution that alleviates back pain brought on by lack of attention to how we sit or injuries we may have suffered over time.
Medicare
As you explore chiropractic care, bear in mind that Medicare and Medicaid services do not cover those medical expenses. However, Medicare patients can actually find the best chiropractic care by qualifying for the Chronic Disease Management program, or CDM. This is for primary care providers to manage the health care of people with chronic medical conditions, including those who require team-based care from a general practitioner and at least two other health care specialists.
A chronic medical condition is one that has been or is likely to be present for six months or longer. Musculoskeletal conditions are included under this umbrella, regardless of the level of discomfort and pain. Keep in mind, CDM is designed for patients who require a structured approach over a long time. This allows for their primary care provider to operate seamlessly with others on the care team without any bumps in the road for insurance coverage. This can include treatment by a licensed chiropractor.
Private Health Insurers
A private health insurance policy is the best bet to cover the expense of going to the chiropractor’s office. These services can be covered through what’s known as extras cover under a health insurer. Chiropractic cover is quite common on extras policies, but not all policies pay a benefit towards it. Be sure to review your current insurance policy, or a quote from an insurance company, to see what is and isn’t covered and where any limits apply. First-time consultations usually run from $70 to $140, with regular visits to the chiropractor averaging around $40 to $60 thereafter.
If you have a new insurance plan or upgraded your current policy, you may have to serve a waiting period before claiming chiropractic care. Extras coverage is an added benefit of private health care in Australia. Not only do you as a policyholder have a wider net of ailments being covered, but you avoid paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge by getting off the federal program. It’s part of a reward from the Australian government for those who can afford private health plans to alleviate pressure on Medicare and the public health care system.
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