Do Chiropractors Take Insurance? Here’s What You Need to Know
In Chicago and for Lincoln Park residents, many individuals work for various sized businesses, offering health insurance for you as the employee. f you’ve been putting off chiropractic care because you’re unsure whether your insurance will cover it, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions patients ask before scheduling an appointment at a chiropractic office is, “Do you take my insurance?”
The short answer is yes—many chiropractors and their offices accept health insurance. However, the amount your insurance covers depends on your specific plan, your benefits, and whether the chiropractor is in your insurance network. As a side note, all offices will accept health insurances, but one needs to ask specifically, “are in-network with my insurance?”. This question allows one to have their benefits verified to learn of their coverage for a provider, a chiropractor (in this case), using their insurance for your healthcare needs.
Most Chiropractic Offices Accept Insurance
Many chiropractic practices work with major insurance providers, including employer-sponsored health plans, PPOs, HMOs, Medicare, workers’ compensation, and personal injury claims. That said, every insurance policy is different, so your coverage can vary from friends, family, or even co-workers (when employers have different plans).
Your out-of-pocket costs will depend on factors such as:
- Your calendar year deductible
- Copay or coinsurance
- The reason you’re seeking treatment (pain from an accident, working out, or stress from your job)
- Your annual chiropractic visit limits
What Does Insurance Usually Cover?
Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care when it’s considered medically necessary to treat conditions such as:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Sciatica
- Joint pain (hip, ankle, shoulder, knee)
- Tension headaches (and Migraines)
- Auto accident injuries
- Certain work-related injuries
Coverage often includes spinal adjustments and an initial evaluation, although additional therapies such as soft tissue work (especially Active Release Techniques (ART)), rehabilitation exercises, and/or muscle stimulation may have different coverage. Upon calling the office, you can ask these questions to learn if your insurance will cover these services.
Common Insurance Plans That May Cover Chiropractic Care
Many chiropractic offices accept plans from insurers such as:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
- Medicare (only covers spinal manipulation-other services such as exams, X-rays, rehab exercises, soft tissue work are not covered)
- Workers’ Compensation
- Auto Insurance (when it is determined you are not at-fault when an accident occurs of a car you drove or acted as passenger in)
Coverage varies by policy, so it’s always best to check your individual benefits before beginning any chiropractic care.
What If My Chiropractor Is Out of Network?
Even if a chiropractor isn’t in your insurance network, you may still have options.
Depending on your plan, you may be able to:
- Receive partial reimbursement for out-of-network care
- Use your Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Take advantage of affordable cash-pay rates or payment plans
Many chiropractic offices are happy to explain your options before treatment begins.
How to Verify Your Chiropractic Benefits
Before your first appointment, it’s a good idea to either call your insurance number on the back of your insurance card or call the chiropractic office you are interested in scheduling an appointment at, and ask the following questions:
- Ask whether chiropractic care is covered.
- Confirm if you need a referral and/or prior authorization.
- Ask about your deductible, copay, and visit limits.
- Verify that the chiropractor is in-network.
Once you have this information, ask 1 more question to the chiropractic office involving cost and how much my treatment/visits may run for any, and all services, offered at one’s office.
Why Some Chiropractors Don’t Accept Insurance
While many chiropractors work with insurance companies, some operate as cash-based practices. Insurance billing can involve administrative requirements, treatment limitations, and reimbursement delays, leading some providers to offer straightforward self-pay pricing instead. Also, one can offer discounted services through joining a DMPO (Discounted Medical Provider Organization), called Chirohealth USA (CHUSA) to save money on chiropractic services for your injuries.
We’re Happy to Help You Understand Your Coverage
Insurance benefits can be confusing, but they don’t have to keep you from getting the care you need.
At Lincoln Park Chiropractic, Dr. Marion is happy to verify your insurance benefits before your first appointment, explain your coverage, and answer any questions about your expected costs. The goal is to make the process simple so you can focus on feeling better.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and let our team help you maximize your chiropractic insurance benefits.
