Health insurance covers several expenses related to medical treatments or emergencies. Doctor appointments, hospital visits, prescription medication, and even therapy sessions are covered under certain health insurance plans. But what about chiropractic care? Can you use your health insurance coverage to offset the cost of regular treatments?
The good news is that many health insurance providers will cover at least part of the cost. They may not pay in full, requiring you to uphold co-payments, but it will certainly relieve some of the burden of the expense regardless. Given this caveat, there are a few other things to keep in mind if you want to start seeing a chiropractor under health insurance.
First, determine if you are eligible under your current insurance plan. Many agencies have included chiropractic as a part of their services, but some still consider chiropractic care an alternative form of medicine. Alternative medicine is typically not insured. If you’re unsure whether of not chiropractic is included in your current plan, contact your insurance agency and double-check the list of services.
Next, depending on where and how you receive coverage (employee benefits, health insurance, etc.), you may be subject to certain limitations. If chiropractic care is included at all, whether full coverage or through co-payments, the provider reserves the right to dictate how and when you spend their money.
For example, you may be limited in the number of times you can visit the chiropractor per month/year. Similarly, you may not be covered if your health begins to stabilize, at which point the treatment becomes maintenance. Insurance typically only covers treatment for traumatic injuries, during which your body must show signs of improvement. You may even be asked to use a certain pre-approved chiropractor or receive direct recommendation from a doctor to begin treatment at all.
Finally, if your insurance plan does not provide any coverage for chiropractic care, don’t give up just yet. Have your physician contact your insurance company. They may be able to work out a solution that works for both parties. If all else fails, you may be able to pay out of pocket without breaking the bank. Chiropractic treatment has been known to start as cheap as $30 per visit.
Chiropractic care is a great way to keep your body feeling good. Contact your insurance company today and see if you’re covered under your current plan. We here at DiBella Chiropractic would love to make an appointment with you and get you started on the path to wellness!
