S.106 - Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The "Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025" (S.106) aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to broaden Medicare coverage for chiropractic services. It seeks to include all physicians' services furnished by doctors of chiropractic within the scope of their license, rather than limiting coverage to manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation. The bill intends to align Medicare coverage with that offered by other federal health programs and private insurers.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would expand the range of chiropractic services covered by Medicare. This would allow beneficiaries to access a wider array of treatments from doctors of chiropractic. It also mandates that doctors of chiropractic complete an educational documentation webinar to be eligible for Medicare reimbursement for certain services.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Access to Care: Medicare beneficiaries would have access to a broader range of chiropractic services.
- Alignment with Other Healthcare Systems: Medicare coverage would be more consistent with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, and private insurance plans.
- Potential for Improved Health Outcomes: Expanded coverage may lead to better health outcomes for beneficiaries who benefit from chiropractic care.
- Professional Recognition: The bill would grant greater recognition to doctors of chiropractic as physicians within the Medicare program.
- Modernization of Medicare: The bill updates Medicare coverage to reflect advancements in chiropractic practices and state licensure.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Medicare Costs: Expanding coverage could lead to higher costs for the Medicare program.
- Potential for Unnecessary Services: Broader coverage might incentivize the provision of services that are not medically necessary.
- Administrative Burden: The requirement for doctors of chiropractic to complete an educational webinar could create an administrative burden.
- Lack of Evidence for All Services: The evidence base for the effectiveness of all chiropractic services may not be as strong as for manual manipulation of the spine.
- Potential for Fraud: Expanded coverage could create opportunities for fraudulent billing practices.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve healthcare access for Medicare beneficiaries. Specifically, the preamble of the Constitution states the goal to "promote the general Welfare". The expansion of Medicare coverage for chiropractic services could be seen as a means to achieve this goal by providing more comprehensive healthcare options for seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, the constitutionality of the bill also depends on whether it falls within the powers delegated to Congress and does not infringe upon any constitutional rights or protections.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).