Does Medicare cover massage therapy? What you need to know

Massage therapy is widely known for easing pain, reducing stress, and improving overall wellness. But if you are a Medicare beneficiary, coverage for massage services is limited.

Understanding when Medicare will cover massage therapy — and under what conditions — can help you avoid unexpected costs.

Will Original Medicare pay for massage therapy?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does not cover massage therapy. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) classify massage as alternative or complementary medicine, meaning it is usually not deemed medically necessary.

As a result, beneficiaries who seek massage services typically pay the full cost out of pocket. A standard session costs about $60 per hour, although prices vary depending on location and provider experience.

An exception exists if massage therapy is part of a broader physical therapy or occupational therapy treatment plan. In those cases, if a doctor prescribes massage as medically necessary to treat a covered medical condition, Medicare may reimburse the cost as part of the approved therapy services.

Can Medicare Advantage plans cover massage therapy?

Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer limited massage therapy benefits. These plans, operated by private insurers and approved by Medicare, often include additional services beyond Original Medicare.

For massage therapy to be covered under a Medicare Advantage plan, certain criteria usually apply:

Medical Necessity: A doctor must prescribe massage therapy for a diagnosed medical condition.
In-Network Providers: The massage therapist must be licensed and part of the plan’s network.
Prior Authorization: Some plans require approval before services are provided.

Even if coverage is available, beneficiaries may still have copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles. Not every Medicare Advantage plan offers massage therapy benefits, so it is important to review plan details before enrolling.

What about Medigap coverage?

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) helps pay costs that Original Medicare does not cover, such as deductibles and coinsurance. However, because Original Medicare does not cover massage therapy, Medigap plans do not pay for it either.

Alternatives to professional massage therapy

If Medicare or your Advantage plan does not cover massage therapy, consider these affordable alternatives:

Self-Care Techniques: Self-massage, foam rolling, and targeted stretching can help relieve muscle tension.
Community Programs: Local wellness centers and nonprofit organizations sometimes offer low-cost massage services.
Massage Schools: Students in training often provide supervised massage therapy at reduced rates.

These options can serve as supplementary ways to manage pain and promote relaxation without high costs.

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