Most chiropractors do not take Medicaid, but some do — and coverage varies by state
Medicaid covers chiropractic care in 43 states, but the program does not require chiropractors to accept it. This means a chiropractor can be licensed and in-network with your state's Medicaid program and still refuse Medicaid patients. You cannot assume a chiropractor near you takes Medicaid just because your state covers it. You have to call and ask, or search your state's Medicaid provider directory first.
The states that do not cover chiropractic care at all are Alabama, Mississippi, and South Dakota. If you live in one of those states, Medicaid will not pay for chiropractic visits under any circumstance. If you live elsewhere, coverage exists — but finding a chiropractor who accepts it requires a specific search, not a general one.
Key Takeaways
- Forty-three states cover chiropractic care through Medicaid, but chiropractors are not required to accept Medicaid patients even if they are in-network.
- Your state's Medicaid program publishes a searchable provider directory online; searching for "chiropractor" there shows only doctors who accept Medicaid in your area.
- Calling the chiropractor's office directly to confirm they take your specific Medicaid plan is faster than relying on directory listings, which can be outdated.
- Coverage limits vary by state — some cover a set number of visits per year (often 12 to 20), while others require prior approval from your doctor before your first visit.
- If a chiropractor does not take Medicaid, you can still see them and pay out of pocket, then submit a claim to Medicaid yourself if your state covers the service.
How to find a chiropractor who takes your Medicaid plan
Start with your state's Medicaid provider directory. Every state Medicaid program maintains an online searchable list of doctors and specialists who accept Medicaid. Go to your state's Medicaid website (usually named "[State] Medicaid" or "[State] Health and Human Services"), find the provider search tool, and filter by "chiropractor" or "chiropractic." The directory will show you chiropractors in your area, their addresses, phone numbers, and whether they are accepting new patients.
After you find names, call the chiropractor's office directly. Ask whether they accept Medicaid and specifically whether they accept your plan type — Medicaid has multiple managed care plans in most states, and a chiropractor might accept one plan but not another. Ask also whether they require a referral from your primary care doctor before your first visit, because many states require this. Write down the name of the person you spoke to and the date, in case you need to confirm the information later.
If the directory shows no chiropractors in your area, or if all the ones listed say they are not accepting new patients, call your Medicaid managed care plan directly. The phone number is on your Medicaid card. Ask the plan representative to tell you which chiropractors in your area currently accept new Medicaid patients. They may know of providers not yet listed in the directory or may be able to refer you to a chiropractor outside your immediate area if none are available nearby.
What Medicaid covers for chiropractic visits
Medicaid covers the chiropractor's examination, X-rays if medically necessary, and spinal manipulation — the adjustment itself. It does not cover massage therapy, nutritional counseling, or supplements, even if the chiropractor's office offers them. If the chiropractor recommends these services, you will pay for them out of pocket; Medicaid will not reimburse you.
Most states limit the number of chiropractic visits per year. Common limits are 12, 15, or 20 visits annually, though some states allow more. A few states do not set a visit limit but require your primary care doctor to refer you or to approve continued treatment after a certain number of visits. Call your Medicaid plan or check your state's Medicaid website to find your state's specific limit.
Some states require prior authorization — meaning your chiropractor or your primary care doctor must submit paperwork to Medicaid and receive approval before your first visit. Other states allow you to start treatment and submit paperwork afterward. Ask the chiropractor's office whether they handle prior authorization or whether you need to contact your primary care doctor to request it.
States that do not cover chiropractic care
Alabama, Mississippi, and South Dakota do not cover chiropractic services through Medicaid. If you live in one of these states and want to see a chiropractor, you must pay out of pocket. Some chiropractors in these states offer payment plans or sliding-scale fees based on income; call local offices to ask.
If you are moving to or from one of these states, your coverage will change on your Medicaid renewal date or when your address change takes effect. Contact your state Medicaid program to confirm the date your new coverage begins.
What to do if no chiropractors near you take Medicaid
If your state covers chiropractic care but no providers in your area accept Medicaid, you have two options. First, ask your Medicaid plan whether they can refer you to a chiropractor outside your immediate area or whether they cover telehealth chiropractic visits (though most do not). Second, you can see a chiropractor who does not take Medicaid, pay the full cost out of pocket, and then submit a claim to Medicaid yourself.
To submit a claim yourself, ask the chiropractor for an itemized receipt showing the date of service, the type of service (such as "spinal manipulation"), and the cost. Then contact your Medicaid plan and ask for the claim form. Fill it out, attach the receipt, and mail it to the address on the form. Medicaid will review it and send you a check if the service is covered in your state. This process usually takes four to eight weeks.
Referrals and prior authorization requirements
Many states require a referral from your primary care doctor before Medicaid will cover chiropractic care. This does not mean your doctor has to agree that chiropractic care is necessary — it usually just means your doctor has to document that you requested it and send a form to Medicaid. Some primary care doctors will do this over the phone; others require an office visit.
If your state requires prior authorization, the chiropractor's office usually handles submitting the paperwork. They will send Medicaid information about your condition and the proposed treatment plan, and Medicaid will respond within a few days to a few weeks with approval or denial. If Medicaid denies authorization, you can appeal the decision. Ask the chiropractor's office or your Medicaid plan how to file an appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicaid cover chiropractic X-rays?
Yes, if the chiropractor documents that the X-ray is medically necessary. Medicaid will not cover routine X-rays done on every patient, but if you have back pain or an injury and the chiropractor needs imaging to diagnose the problem, Medicaid covers it. The chiropractor's office handles billing; you should not have to pay anything at the time of service.
Can I see any chiropractor if I have Medicaid, or only ones in my plan's network?
Most Medicaid programs require you to see an in-network chiropractor. If you see an out-of-network chiropractor, Medicaid will not pay, and you will owe the full cost. Check your Medicaid card or call your plan to confirm whether out-of-network coverage exists in your plan.
What if my chiropractor says Medicaid denied my claim?
Ask the chiropractor's office for a copy of the denial letter from Medicaid. The letter will explain why the claim was denied — often because the visit limit was reached, prior authorization was not obtained, or the service is not covered in your state. If you believe the denial is wrong, you can file an appeal with your Medicaid plan. The denial letter will include instructions on how to appeal.
Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a chiropractor on Medicaid?
It depends on your state. Some states require a referral; others do not. Call your Medicaid plan or check your state's Medicaid website to find out. If a referral is required, contact your primary care doctor's office and ask them to send one to Medicaid or to the chiropractor you want to see.