Dr. Nathen Horst often discusses how chiropractic adjustments can help you. He shares this passion with patients at his Temecula, CA center as well as outside of the practice when helping others with their health needs. The numerous benefits of chiropractic care have been known for years, yet it seems like the public is only now understanding the advantages of regular adjustments. Thankfully there’s political action to make chiropractic services more available and more affordable.

The U.S. House of Representatives recently introduced a bill that will increase the type of chiropractic procedures covered by Medicare. Let’s look at the basics of this bill and the larger implications for people suffering from pain and medical conditions impacting mobility and wellness.

HR 3654: The Basics

Also known as the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2019, HR 3654 will expand the number of chiropractic services currently covered by Medicare. At the moment, Medicare only covers manual manipulation of the spine. All other chiropractic services must be covered by other insurance providers or the patient must pay for these other services out of pocket.

The bill means Medicare beneficiaries can also undergo manipulation of extremities, diagnostic services, and additional chiropractic procedures covered. This is ideal for the more than 55 million Americans on Medicare.

The Wider Implications of the Bill

By expanding Medicare coverage to encompass a larger array of chiropractic services, this bill will help keep health care costs down for countless people suffering from pain and various conditions that impair their mobility and wellness.

Bipartisan Support for the Bill

The bill was introduced by Representative Brian Higgins (D-NY) and Representative Tom Reed (R-NY). In such a highly partisan time, it’s nice to have a bipartisan bill that focuses on people rather than parties. Putting the needs of people in pain should come before any profit motive.

Statement from the American Chiropractic Association (ACA)

In a July press release, ACA President Robert C. Jones issued the following statement: “The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is encouraged that this bill would finally give Medicare beneficiaries access to the same safe and effective chiropractic services that members of our military, veterans, and federal employees now enjoy.”

ACA Legislative Advisory Board chairman Keith Overland added: “We applaud Rep. Higgins and Rep. Reed, who recognize the necessity of modernizing Medicare’s chiropractic coverage to meet the needs of today’s beneficiaries.”

Why Chiropractic Care Matters

Chiropractic care offers a non-surgical, non-drug solution to pain relief and pain management. Given the opioid crises and the risk of developing an addiction to any sort of pain medication, chiropractic care is a sensible approach to pain relief that can have so many benefits on people’s lives.

Our focus here is on total wellness. The benefits of adjustment go beyond spinal and joint manipulation. We can focus on lifestyle modifications and dietary changes that can bring about reduced pain and discomfort.

Learn More About Chiropractic Services

For more information about chiropractic care and why it may be ideal for you and your needs, be sure to contact a skilled chiropractor. The team at Horst Chiropractic is here to help you.