Does Medicare Cover Massage Therapy? Here’s What You Should Know
Here's the answer—and what conditions apply.
Does Original Medicare Cover Massage Therapy?
Unfortunately, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) usually does not cover massage therapy. The reason is that Medicare considers massage therapy as "alternative and complementary medicine" and not medically necessary.
Because of this, if you want a professional massage, you'll likely have to pay for it yourself. Typically, a massage session costs around $60 per hour, though prices may vary based on your location and the therapist's qualifications.
However, there is one exception: if massage therapy is part of a larger medical treatment plan—for example, physical therapy or occupational therapy—Medicare may cover it. In that case, the massage therapy needs to be prescribed by your doctor and deemed medically necessary.
Medicare Advantage Plans and Massage Therapy
While Original Medicare doesn’t cover massage therapy, some Medicare Advantage plans might. Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C) is offered by private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare.
These plans often include extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t, such as vision and dental coverage—and occasionally massage therapy.
If your Medicare Advantage plan covers massage therapy, it typically has specific rules:
- Medical Necessity: The massage therapy must be prescribed by a doctor to address a specific health issue.
- In-Network Providers: The therapist must be licensed and part of the plan's network.
- Prior Authorization: Some plans may require you to get approval before starting massage treatment.
Even if your plan offers coverage, you may still have to pay some costs, like copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles. Keep in mind that not all Advantage plans include massage therapy benefits, so it’s important to carefully review what each plan covers before choosing one.
What About Medigap?
Medigap, also called Medicare Supplement Insurance, is designed to help cover costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay, like copayments and deductibles. However, since Original Medicare doesn’t cover massage therapy, Medigap won’t cover it either.
Alternatives to Medicare Coverage for Massage Therapy
If massage therapy isn’t covered by your Medicare plan, here are some cost-effective alternatives:
- Self-Care Techniques: Try self-massage, foam rolling, or stretching exercises to help manage pain and stress.
- Community Resources: Look into local community centers or wellness programs that may offer affordable massage services.
- Massage Schools: Many massage therapy schools offer discounted services as part of their student training programs.
While these options won’t replace professional massage therapy, they can still provide relief at a lower cost.
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