Is alternative medicine covered by Medicare?

With healthcare costs on the rise and a spotlight on health, more people are now looking to alternative medicine than ever before.

Alternative medicines seek to treat diseases, illnesses, and injuries in a more natural way. Also called naturopathy, scientific evidence supports some techniques, but not all.

Regardless, naturopathy’s popularity is on the rise, which leads to questions about Medicare health insurance and Medicare exclusions.

Does Medicare cover alternative medicine? The answer is complicated, and if you’re interested in paying for natural remedies through insurance, you should start by shopping around for rates.

To start looking at what quotes might be for you, enter your ZIP code into our free tool.

Does Medicare cover alternative medicine?

In 2004, the CDC reported that 36% of American adults had tried at least one type of holistic treatment. That number has grown in the years since, especially in the wake of COVID-19.

Alternative medicine includes acupuncture, massage, nutrition management, chiropractic care, and exercise regimens. Naturopathy appeals to many people because it is a gentler, less invasive way to treat health conditions.

Unfortunately for those interested in pursuing natural healthcare, Medicare doesn’t cover everything. For example, Medicare did not cover acupuncture care until recently.

The approved practices Medicare will cover come with strict guidelines.

Does Medicare cover acupuncture?

Due to the ongoing opioid crisis, Medicare now allows acupuncture to treat chronic lower back pain. Since acupuncture helps reduce pain from chronic back problems, acupuncture can reduce opioid dependency.

However, this is the only reason Medicare will cover acupuncture. To qualify, your back pain has to be chronic — it can’t be an acute injury or pain in any other part of your body.

Unfortunately, Medicare and acupuncture don’t go hand in hand. You’ll have to find an alternative way of paying for the services of an acupuncturist.

Does Medicare cover chiropractic services?

Chiropractic care is another natural healthcare service that Medicare covers for one specific reason. Medicare will cover your visit to the chiropractor if you have a misaligned spine.

In that case, you can visit a chiropractor to have your spine straightened. If you want to see a chiropractor for any other reason, including pain, numbness, and other health issues, you’ll be responsible for payment.

Does Medicare cover nutritional counseling?

A third example of a particular requirement, Medicare will cover nutritional counseling if you have a physical condition that your diet can improve.

Health conditions that benefit from nutritional counseling include diabetes, kidney disease, or if you had a kidney transplant within the last six months.

Unless you meet that criteria, Medicare won’t pay for your nutritional counseling.

Does Medicare cover naturopathic medicine?

This question, along with “Does Medicare cover naturopathic doctors?” has a disappointing answer for anyone interested in naturopathic medicine.

Naturopathic medicine seeks to treat health conditions with natural ingredients. Most people are familiar with the use of herbal tea to treat things like a headache, cough, or cold.

However, if you look at the back of your tea box, you’ll see a disclaimer stating the claims made about the tea are not backed by evidence.

Because of this, Medicare does not cover naturopathic medicine.

Medicare also skips naturopathic doctors because it does not recognize them as medical authorities. If you qualify for acupuncture or chiropractic services, you’ll need to see a licensed doctor and not a naturopath.

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Which type of care is not covered by Medicare?

While natural healthcare has benefits of its own, Medicare doesn’t cover any other naturopathic services. There isn’t enough evidence that proves natural medicine is something that Medicare should cover.

If you want to receive alternative treatment to whatever ails you, you should consider an alternative form of payment. Some insurances will cover alternative medicines, including Medicare Advantage (or Medicare Part C).

Medicare Advantage is supplemental insurance you can buy on top of Original Medicare. This additional insurance may give you more options for natural medicine. It all depends on the policy purchase.

Does Medicare cover functional medicine?

Functional doctors approach healthcare from a holistic viewpoint. This means that they look at your entire health history to discover the root of your medical condition rather than treat the symptoms.

Functional doctors are popular because they spend more time with their patients than conventional doctors.

Functional physicians aren’t considered the same as primary care doctors. Insurance does not cover functional doctors, and that includes Medicare.

Consider Medicare Advantage for Alternative Medicine

If you’re looking for holistic doctors that accept Medicare, chances are you won’t find any. Medicare doesn’t cover most natural healthcare options.

However, if you’re determined to get alternative treatment, Medicare Advantage will give you the best chances of having your care paid for.

So, does Medicare cover alternative medicine? Your best bet is to explore your Medicare Advantage options. If you’re ready to see what quotes might look like for you, enter your ZIP code into our free tool today.

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