Is Chiropractic Care Covered by Insurance?
Many individuals seek chiropractic care for relief from back pain, which can be caused by various factors such as poor posture, muscle strain, or spinal misalignments. They may be interested in finding out if their insurance covers chiropractic treatments as a non-invasive option for managing their pain. Welcome to Kingwood Chiropractic, our new patients often ask us if we accept insurance for chiropractic care
. The answer is a resounding yes, Dr. Hamel is an in-network provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna; they accept all plans including PPO, POS, EPO, HMO and more. If you're considering chiropractic treatment and wondering whether your insurance plan will cover it, you've come to the right place. In this article, we will explore the topic of insurance coverage for chiropractic services, helping you understand the factors that determine coverage, the types of insurance plans that may offer chiropractic benefits, and how to navigate insurance for holistic health services.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding your insurance coverage for chiropractic care can help you access the treatment you need at a potentially lower cost than self-pay.
- Insurance coverage for chiropractic services varies depending on your insurance plan. Some patients have $3000 deductibles, some $0 deductibles. Most new patients using insurance have copays ranging from $20 up to $60 on average.
- It's important to check if your insurance plan offers chiropractic benefits and understand the limitations and requirements. Patients with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna often have coverage for 10–35 chiropractic treatments per year.
- Dr. Hamel is also a car accident chiropractor treating whiplash-injured patients. His office ONLY accepts PIP (personal injury protection) or Uninsured Motorist insurance from major auto policies such as Geico, USAA, Farmers, State Farm, Nationwide, Allstate, Progressive, Farmers Bureau of Texas, Travelers, and more. Texas law requires that your insurance company offer at least $2500 PIP to all policyholders. PIP coverage ranges from $2500–$10000 per person involved in a car accident, which can be used for any medical treatment after the accident.
- Some insurance plans may require pre-authorization or referrals for chiropractic care. All HMO insurance plans require a referral from a primary doctor.
- If chiropractic care is not covered by your insurance, alternative options may include out-of-pocket payment or finding a chiropractor who offers affordable payment plans. At Kingwood Chiropractic, we offer self-pay chiropractic packages (10 visits) and discounted shockwave therapy treatments (10 visits). Dr. Hamel’s office also accepts all HSA/FSA health spending cards for chiropractic care, shockwave therapy, and nutritional supplements.
Understanding Chiropractic Insurance Coverage
When it comes to chiropractic care, understanding how insurance coverage works can greatly benefit you. In this section, we will explore the various aspects of chiropractic insurance, including reimbursement, insurance acceptance by chiropractors, and the benefits offered by health insurance plans for chiropractic treatment.
Chiropractic Care Reimbursement
Chiropractic care reimbursement refers to the process of receiving payment from your insurance provider for the chiropractic services you receive. Reimbursement rates may vary depending on your insurance plan and the specific services provided. Consult with your insurance provider and review your policy in detail. At Kingwood Chiropractic
, insurance usually covers a certain number of chiropractic visits per year or a dollar amount per year. Check your plan for deductibles ($250, $750, or $6000) and copays ($15, $50, or 20%), which affect out-of-pocket costs.
Chiropractor Insurance Acceptance
Not all insurance companies cover chiropractic services, so confirm if your plan accepts chiropractors. Dr. Hamel only accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and PIP insurance. He no longer accepts Cigna, United Healthcare, or Humana. Less than 10% of Blue Cross or Aetna policies do not cover chiropractic care.
Health Insurance and Chiropractic Benefits
Health insurance plans often provide benefits for chiropractic treatment, including a certain number of visits per year and prescribed therapies. Many large employers, including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Centerpoint Energy, Exxon Mobil, Costco, HEB, FAA, Federal Employees, USPS, Halliburton, Amazon, and more, include chiropractic benefits to support employee wellness.
Chiropractic Treatment and Insurance Claims
Kingwood Chiropractic files all insurance claims electronically for medical insurance and by mail/fax for car accident PIP cases. Claims are usually processed in 1–2 weeks, and patients receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) showing coverage, deductible, and copay details.
Chiropractic Services Insurance Policies
Insurance policies outline coverage terms for chiropractic services, including treatments covered, maximum limits, and referral or pre-authorization requirements. Review policies carefully to understand your benefits.
Checking Your Insurance Coverage for Chiropractic Services
Before seeking care, review your insurance plan for coverage of chiropractic services, including limitations, requirements, or exclusions. Large companies often offer multiple plans, so consult HR for specific coverage details. Patients should check copays, deductibles, and visit limits each year.
Finding Chiropractors in Kingwood Who Accept Your Insurance
Once confirmed that your insurance plan covers chiropractic services, find a local chiropractor who accepts your insurance. Dr. Hamel has been in-network for Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna for over 20 years. Online directories like BCBS, Aetna, or ZocDoc can help locate providers and show accepted insurance plans.
Alternative Paths for Accessing Chiropractic Care
If Dr. Hamel is out-of-network, some benefits may still apply. For patients without coverage, options include:
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA): Pre-tax funds can cover chiropractic care, nutritional supplements, and shockwave therapy.
- Cash payment or discounted rates: Kingwood Chiropractic offers discounted 10-visit packages for chiropractic and shockwave therapy, bypassing insurance paperwork.
Exploring these alternatives helps access chiropractic care even if insurance does not cover it. Review your plan and consult your insurance provider to maximize your benefits and prioritize well-being.
Conclusion
Understanding whether your insurance will cover chiropractic care is important for accessing holistic health services. Coverage varies, but knowing how to navigate insurance policies and chiropractic benefits helps maximize your plan.
Finding an in-network provider in Kingwood is essential. Dr. Hamel has accepted BCBS and Aetna for over 20 years. Whether your insurance fully or partially covers chiropractic care, using available benefits supports overall wellness.
FAQ
- Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your insurance plan. Some plans offer coverage, others do not. Hamel Chiropractic and Wellness accepts Blue Cross and Aetna and provides a free benefit check for new patients.
- How can I find out if my insurance covers chiropractic services?
Review your plan documents, check your insurance website, or contact your insurance company. At Kingwood Chiropractic, Melissa verifies insurance and details copays, deductibles, and visit limits.
- Are there specific types of insurance plans that cover chiropractic care?
Coverage may include health insurance, employer-sponsored plans, Medicare, or Medicaid. Dr. Hamel has treated many insured patients from United Airlines, Costco, Amazon, USPS, and more.
- Can I file an insurance claim for chiropractic treatment?
Yes. Dr. Hamel’s office handles claims electronically, usually processed in 1–2 weeks, and patients receive an EOB showing payments and copays.
- How do I find a chiropractor who accepts my insurance?
Check your insurance provider’s directory for in-network chiropractors. New patients often confirm coverage, read reviews, and book appointments with trusted Kingwood chiropractors.
- What should I do if my insurance does not cover chiropractic care?
Alternative options include FSAs, HSAs, discounted rates, or payment plans. Dr. Hamel aims to make chiropractic and shockwave therapy affordable for patients seeking relief from pain.
