At ApexHealth, we believe in comprehensive care to help you live boldly in mind and body! You may have heard this idea referred to as whole person wellness. All too often, we take care of our health only when there’s a problem, but ongoing prevention and maintenance can help you avoid bigger health problems. 

ApexHealth offers extra benefits to cover some of these wellness services, including chiropractic care and acupuncture. Let’s talk about what each service entails and how to get coverage.

What is chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care includes using pressure to manipulate joints in your body, realign your spine and reduce pain and discomfort. Chiropractic care has been found to be a safe form of treatment with only minor effects, such as stiffness or headaches after treatment. Once you get started with a chiropractor, you’ll have ongoing appointments (called “adjustments”) to help you stay healthy and aligned.

What can chiropractors help with?

A chiropractor works with any kind of muscle, bone or joint pain or dysfunction. Reasons for older adults to see a chiropractor include:

• Arthritis
• Frequent headaches
• Healing after an accident 
• Joint pain and dysfunction
• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Sciatica
• Stiff muscles or muscle ache

The most common age to see a chiropractor is 45 and older, so be sure to ask your healthcare provider about whether you could benefit from chiropractic care.  

Medicare coverage for chiropractic care

Original Medicare Part B covers services from a chiropractor under only one circumstance: if the manipulation is necessary to correct a vertebral subluxation (a spinal misalignment when one or more bones in the back are out of position). However, with ApexHealth you can get additional coverage for up to 20 total visits per year. With the bundled fee for our chiropractic, therapeutic massage, and acupuncture care, copay is $30 per visit. Learn more on our website or by calling our ApexAssistants at (844) 279-0508 (TTY: 711).

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the name for interventions that are administered using acupuncture needles. Traditionally, the needles are strategically placed in acupuncture points to move the flow of energy. Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the central nervous system, which in turn releases chemicals to your brain, improving the communication across your body. 

What can acupuncture help with?

 Many older adults seek acupuncture treatment for the relief of chronic pain. It can be good for: 

• Back or neck pain
• Knee pain 
• Osteoarthritis
• Headache and migraine 
• Fibromyalgia 
• Postoperative pain

The treatment is safe when administered by a certified practitioner with sanitary needles. Most states require that acupuncturists complete specific certifications. Our ApexAssistants can find a certified acupuncturist near you. 

Medicare coverage for acupuncture

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) cover acupuncture as a treatment for lower back pain for up to 12 visits in 90 days under certain circumstances. However, with ApexHealth additional coverage is provided with our bundled chiropractic, therapeutic massage, and acupuncture care. Visit our website or call our ApexAssistants at (844) 279-0508 (TTY: 711) to learn more.

At ApexHealth, we know how difficult it can be to manage chronic pain. Chiropractic and acupuncture care can be one solution to try. With our ApexExtras, we want to make it easy for you to get the care you need. Please call our ApexAssistants at (844) 279-0508 (TTY: 711) if you have any questions. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (local time) from Apr. 1 through Sept. 30 and seven days a week 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (local time) from Oct. 1 through Mar. 31.

**The information presented is accurate as of April 24, 2023 and may change at a future date.

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