Medicare & Medicaid Chiropractic Coverage in Traverse City, MI
At Pathways Chiropractic, we are proud to be a preferred Medicare and Medicaid provider in Traverse City, MI. We believe that cost should never be a barrier to receiving quality chiropractic care, and we work hard to help our patients get the most out of their coverage. Whether you’re on Medicare, Medicaid, or a Medicare supplement plan, our experienced team will walk you through your benefits and make the process as simple as possible. Call (231) 252-4249 to learn more or schedule your first visit.
How Medicare & Medicaid Work at Pathways Chiropractic
Navigating government health insurance can feel complicated, but our team at Pathways Chiropractic handles the details so you don’t have to. We are experienced with both Medicare and Medicaid coverage structures and will verify your specific benefits before your care begins so you always know exactly what to expect.
First Visit Payment
Medicare and Medicaid do not cover the cost of your first visit, so you will be asked to pay for the initial consultation and examination out of pocket. This first visit includes a thorough health history review, a physical examination, any necessary X-rays, and the beginning of your personalized care plan. After this initial visit, your ongoing chiropractic care will be covered at little to no cost to you under your plan.
Visit Allowances
Medicaid provides 18 chiropractic visits per year. These visits are a valuable benefit — but they expire at the end of the year if unused, so we encourage patients to take full advantage of the care that’s available to them. Medicare, on the other hand, covers chiropractic care for as long as it is medically necessary to relieve pain and restore function. Our team documents your care thoroughly to support medical necessity requirements and ensure your coverage continues uninterrupted.
Medicare Supplement Plans
Our office is experienced and proficient in handling Medicare supplement plans and secondary payers of all types. Whether you have a Medigap plan, a Medicare Advantage plan, or another form of secondary coverage, we are equipped to bill correctly and efficiently. The only payer we are unable to accept is Molina. If you have any questions about your specific plan, please call our office at (231) 252-4249 and we’ll be happy to clarify your coverage before your first appointment.
HSA and Flexible Spending
If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), these funds can often be used to cover any out-of-pocket costs associated with your chiropractic care — including your first visit payment, copays, or any services not covered by your plan. Ask our front desk team about HSA/FSA eligibility when you call to schedule.
Patients of All Ages Welcome at Pathways Chiropractic
At Pathways Chiropractic, we have had the privilege of caring for patients ranging from newborns to patients in their nineties. Our Medicare and Medicaid patients are an important part of our practice family, and we treat every patient with the same level of attentiveness, respect, and clinical excellence regardless of their insurance type. Whether you’re coming in for back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches, or ongoing wellness care, you’ll receive the same evidence-based, compassionate treatment that defines Pathways Chiropractic in Traverse City, MI.
Don’t let unused benefits go to waste. Call Pathways Chiropractic today at (231) 252-4249 or book your appointment online to get started.
Medicare & Medicaid Chiropractic FAQs
Does Medicare cover chiropractic care at Pathways Chiropractic?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers chiropractic care when it is medically necessary to correct spinal subluxation. Coverage continues as long as your care is documented as medically necessary for pain relief and functional improvement. The first visit is not covered and must be paid out of pocket, but ongoing care is covered at a standard Medicare rate. Our team handles all documentation and billing on your behalf.
How many chiropractic visits does Medicaid cover per year?
Medicaid provides 18 chiropractic visits per year. These visits do not roll over, so any unused visits at the end of the benefit year are forfeited. We encourage patients with Medicaid coverage to schedule consistently throughout the year to take full advantage of this benefit and maintain the progress they’ve made in their care.
Do I need to pay for my first visit at Pathways Chiropractic if I have Medicare or Medicaid?
Yes — neither Medicare nor Medicaid covers the cost of the initial visit, which includes your consultation, physical examination, necessary X-rays, and the development of your personalized care plan. After this first visit, your ongoing chiropractic treatment will be covered under your plan at little to no additional cost. Our team will provide a clear cost estimate for your first visit before you arrive.
Does Pathways Chiropractic accept Medicare Advantage plans?
Yes. We are experienced in handling Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans as well as traditional Medicare. Coverage details vary by plan, so we recommend calling our office at (231) 252-4249 with your plan information so we can verify your specific benefits before your first appointment. The only payer we do not accept is Molina.
Can I use my HSA to pay for chiropractic care at Pathways Chiropractic?
Yes. Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds are generally eligible for use on chiropractic care, including out-of-pocket costs such as your first visit payment, copays, and any services not fully covered by your insurance plan. If you have questions about HSA/FSA eligibility for specific services, our front desk team is happy to assist you.
What happens if I need more than 18 Medicaid visits in a year?
If you exhaust your 18 Medicaid-covered visits before the end of the year, additional visits may be available at an out-of-pocket self-pay rate. We offer affordable self-pay options to ensure patients can continue receiving the care they need without interruption. Our team will notify you when you are approaching your visit limit so you can plan accordingly.
Is chiropractic care under Medicare limited to back pain only?
Medicare covers chiropractic care specifically for the treatment of spinal subluxation — restricted or dysfunctional spinal joints that are causing symptoms. While back and neck pain are the most common reasons Medicare patients seek chiropractic care, coverage is not limited to a specific body region. Our team will ensure your care is properly documented to support Medicare’s medical necessity requirements for all eligible services.