With the increasing popularity of complementary and alternative treatments, chiropractic has become the preferred option to treat a variety of musculoskeletal problems especially neck and back discomfort. If you’re an Viva Medicare beneficiary, you may be wondering, “Do any Viva Medicare plans cover chiropractic services?” This article explains the specifics of chiropractic benefits covered by the Viva Medicare plans, and will help you make an informed decision regarding the options you have for your health.
We’ll discuss the benefits of chiropractic care and how they are incorporated into the Viva Medicare plans, and the steps to determine if you’re eligible for coverage. If you’re looking for regular adjustments or treatments for chronic pain This complete guide will address all your concerns.
What is Viva Medicare?
Viva Medicare is an Medicare Advantage plan that is offered by Viva Health, which is a affiliate to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System. The Plans are created to offer Medicare beneficiaries with benefits above and beyond Original Medicare (Parts A and B) which include hearing, vision, dental and prescription drug coverage and even wellness programs.
Viva Medicare plans operate on the basis of a network, usually providing HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans that are focused on prevention of illness and cost-efficiency.
What Are Chiropractic Services?
Chiropractic services are focused on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal body, specifically the spine. Chiropractors employ spinal manipulation using hands as well as other therapies to help align the body’s structures and allow it to recover naturally.
Common Chiropractic Treatments Include:
- The Spinal Adjustments Re-aligning the vertebrae to alleviate the pain and improve mobility.
- Soft Tissue Therapy Treatment of tension in the muscles and inflammation.
- Training for Rehabilitation The goal is to strengthen muscles to avoid further injuries.
- Lifestyle Coaching offering tips on exercise, posture and diet.
Chiropractic care is often sought out for conditions such as:
- Neck or back pain that is chronic
- Sciatica
- Headaches and migraines
- Sports injuries
- Joint discomfort
Do Viva Medicare Plans Cover Chiropractic Services?
The Short Answer:
Yes, a lot of Viva Medicare plans cover chiropractic services, however the insurance coverage is usually limited to medically needed treatments such as the manipulation of the spine to relieve subluxation.
The Long Answer:
In accordance with the guidelines of Medicare Chiropractic treatments are covered under Medicare if they meet certain requirements:
- Medically Needed Treatment must be considered essential for the treatment of an illness like an injury to the spine (a disalignment of the spine).
- performed by a licensed Chiropractor The practitioner must be certified and registered in Medicare.
Viva Medicare, as a Medicare Advantage plan, usually matches Original Medicare’s coverage of chiropractic treatment, however it could provide additional benefits, based on the particular plan. It’s crucial to look over the Viva Medicare plan’s Evidence of Coverage (EOC) document to determine the scope of chiropractic services offered.
Types of Chiropractic Services Covered by Viva Medicare
The majority of Viva Medicare plans cover the manipulation of the spine to treat subluxations. However coverage for other chiropractic services can differ. Here is an overview of what’s typically covered and what is not:
Covered Services:
- Spinal Manipulation for Subluxation :
- The primary chiropractic service that is covered by Viva Medicare.
- Documentation of medical necessity is required.
- Diagnostic X-rays :
- Some plans might cover an X-ray to confirm spinal subluxation.
Excluded Services:
- Massage Therapy is not typically accepted by Medicare as well as Medicare Advantage insurance plans.
- Maintenance and Care Regular or preventive adjustments are generally not included.
- Non-spinal treatments Treatments that do not involve an injury to the spinal column (e.g. extreme adjustments) are not covered.
How to Check If Your Viva Medicare Plan Covers Chiropractic Services
To determine if the Viva Medicare plan covers chiropractic services Follow these steps:
1. Review Your Plan Documents
- Make sure you have Proof of Coverage (EOC) and Summary of Benefits (SOB).
- Check out sections that are related to “Chiropractic Care” or “Alternative Therapies.”
2. Contact Viva Medicare Customer Service
- Contact the customer service department by calling Viva Health for clarification on the chiropractic coverage.
- Keep your plan ID handy for faster assistance.
3. Consult Your Primary Care Physician (PCP)
- Certain Viva Medicare plans may require an appointment with your doctor prior to visiting the chiropractor.
4. Verify this with the Chiropractor
- Make sure that the chiropractor you’re planning to see accepts Medicare and is in network for Viva Medicare.
Out-of-Pocket Costs for Chiropractic Services
Even the Viva Medicare plan covers chiropractic treatments, you might pay out-of-pocket costs. The costs could include:
1. Copayments
- The majority of Viva Medicare plans require an amount of copayment per chiropractic treatment.
2. Deductibles
- If your policy has an deductible, you’ll have to pay it in advance of when coverage starts.
3. Coinsurance
- If you meet the minimum deductible amount, you could be liable for a certain percentage of the total cost (e.g. 20%).
4. Non-Covered Services
- All services that are not covered by your insurance plan includes (e.g. maintenance services) are to be paid for out by yourself.
How to Find Chiropractors in Your Viva Medicare Network
Locating a chiropractor in network is vital to maximise your Medicare benefits under Viva Medicare as well as cut down on out-of-pocket expenses. Here’s how you can find one:
1. Use Viva Medicare’s Provider Directory
- Log into Your Viva Medicare account online and look up chiropractors within your network.
2. Ask for Referrals
- Your primary physician may recommend chiropractors from the Viva Medicare network.
3. Contact Chiropractors Directly
- Visit a clinic near you to confirm that they take Viva Medicare and are in-network.
4. Use Medicare’s Physician Compare Tool
- Check out the official Medicare site for a list of chiropractors who accept Medicare.
Conclusion
Chiropractic treatment can be beneficial in managing muscular and skeletal problems. A majority of Viva Medicare plans provide coverage for chiropractic treatments that are medically essential including chiropractic manipulation to treat subluxation. The coverage however is generally restricted and doesn’t extend to preventive or routine treatments.
To get the most benefit from to get the most value from your Viva Medicare benefits, review your plan’s documentation and confirm coverage through customer service, and then select the chiropractors who are in network. If you are aware of the specifics of your plan and benefits, you will be able to access the services you require while limiting out-of-pocket expenditures.
If you’re considering chiropractic therapy begin by contacting your Viva Medicare plan as well as discussing your primary care doctor to ensure you’re on the correct path to better health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the primary chiropractic service that is covered under Viva Medicare?
The primary focus of Viva Medicare is the treatment of subluxations with spinal manipulation. Other treatments, like the maintenance treatment, are usually not covered.
Do I require an appointment with an acupuncturist under Viva Medicare?
This is contingent on your particular plan. Certain Viva Medicare HMO plans require an appointment with your primary doctor.
Are diagnostic X-rays covered under Viva Medicare?
In certain cases the diagnostic X-rays required to confirm subluxation might be covered. Check your plan details for specifics.
Does the Viva Medicare program cover chiropractic treatment to improve general health or for maintenance?
No, chiropractic treatment for general well-being or maintenance isn’t covered by Medicare or any of the Medicare Advantage insurance plans such as Viva Medicare.
The number of visits to a chiropractor are covered by Viva Medicare cover per year?
There is no set time limit, however every visit are medically required and verified by the physician.
Can I find a chiropractor who is not in network with the Viva Medicare program?
If you’re on the HMO program, it is mandatory that you are required to remain in network, unless it’s an emergency. PPO plans can allow out-of-network visits but at a more expensive cost.
