Does Medicare cover it? A to Z
Does Medicare cover massage therapy?
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Short answer
Not covered by Original Medicare
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn't cover massage therapy, so you pay all costs for massage therapy yourself.
Medicare Part B covers most pain management services, like physical therapy, occupational therapy and certain chiropractic services, but Medicare doesn't pay for massage therapy even when a doctor recommends it.
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover; what each Medicare Advantage plan includes and costs varies, so contact the plan to ask about massage therapy.
| Fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Massage therapy | Not covered: you pay all costs | Medicare.gov |
| Massage therapy a doctor recommends | Not covered: you may pay some or all costs | Medicare.gov |
| Massage therapy a chiropractor orders | Not covered | Medicare.gov |
| Pain management Part B covers | Physical therapy, occupational therapy, certain chiropractic services, acupuncture for chronic low back pain | Medicare.gov |
| What you pay for covered pain care | For most services, 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $283 Part B deductible | Medicare.gov |
| Medicare Advantage | Some plans offer extra benefits Original Medicare doesn't cover; contact the plan | Medicare.gov |
Does Medicare pay for massage therapy?
No. Original Medicare doesn't cover massage therapy, and Medicare.gov lists massage therapy among the items and services Original Medicare doesn't cover. You pay all costs for non-covered services, including massage therapy.
If you need items or services that Part A or Part B don't cover, you pay for them yourself unless you have other health coverage that helps, or you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare Cost Plan or Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) plan that covers them.
What if my doctor recommends massage therapy?
Medicare still doesn't pay for massage therapy when your doctor recommends it. Medicare.gov notes that a doctor may recommend pain treatment options Medicare doesn't cover, like massage therapy, and if that happens you may have to pay some or all of the costs. Ask your doctor why a service is recommended and whether Medicare will pay for it before you get it.
Does Medicare cover massage from a chiropractor?
No. Medicare Part B only covers a chiropractor's adjustments of the spine to correct a subluxation, done by hand or with a device called an activator. Medicare doesn't cover other services or tests a chiropractor orders, including X-rays, massage therapy and acupuncture. See what Medicare covers for chiropractic care.
What does Medicare cover for pain instead?
Medicare Part B covers most pain management services. For most of them, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), and you may pay an extra copayment or coinsurance in a hospital outpatient setting. Covered pain management services include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Chiropractic adjustments of the spine to correct a subluxation
- Acupuncture for chronic low back pain
- Chronic pain management and treatment services
- Behavioral health integration services
Does Medicare Advantage or Medigap cover massage therapy?
Some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover, so contact the plan to ask whether massage therapy is included. Medicare Advantage plans must cover what Original Medicare covers, and rules and costs vary by plan. A Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy helps pay your share of costs, like coinsurance and deductibles, for services Original Medicare covers. See extra benefits in Medicare Advantage.
Good to know
More questions people ask
Does Medicare cover massage therapy for back pain?
Will Medicare pay for massage therapy if my doctor prescribes it?
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover massage therapy?
Does Medicare cover physical therapy for pain?
Related questions
- Medicare.gov: Massage therapy
- Medicare.gov: What's not covered?
- Medicare.gov: Pain management
- Medicare.gov: Chiropractic services
- Medicare.gov: Acupuncture
- Medicare.gov: Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- Medicare.gov: Learn what Medigap covers
Figures are Medicare’s, set nationally, and were checked against these pages on October 2026. For your own situation, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
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This page was last updated: October 2026.