With the 118th Congress (2023-24) in full swing, the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act has been reintroduced in both chambers: H.R. 1610 in the House and S. 799 in the Senate. Both bills feature identical language and have a number of original co-sponsors as legislation (H.R. 2654 / S. 4042) that expired at the end of the 117th congressional session (2021-22) last December.
An American Chiropractic Association press release announcing the legislation's reintroduction summarized its importance in terms of what expanded Medicare coverage would accomplish for doctors of chiropractic - and patients:
"H.R. 1610 / S. 799 would update the Medicare statute that has limited beneficiary access to chiropractic services for over 50 years. The legislation adds no new benefits; it simply allows Medicare beneficiaries access to the profession's broad-based, non-drug approach to pain management and musculoskeletal health. This includes manual manipulation of the spine (the only chiropractic service now covered), as well as services such as manual manipulation of the extremities and numerous other non-drug treatments, evaluation and management services, and diagnostic imaging. The range of services available to beneficiaries would be determined by a chiropractor's state licensure."
"The level of bipartisan support we achieved with the last bill tells us that this is an issue that resonates and has the momentum to go all the way," said John Falardeau, ACA senior vice president of public policy and advocacy, in the release.
Dynamic Chiropractic editorial staff members research, investigate and write articles for the publication on an ongoing basis. To contact the Editorial Department or submit an article of your own for consideration, email
.