In January of 2020 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services announced that Medicare will start to cover some acupuncture. Acupuncture will be a covered service for the treatment of chronic low back pain. The specific wording states:
“Covered services will include up to 12 acupuncture sessions in 90 days with an additional eight sessions for patients who are demonstrating improvement. Coverage will be capped at 20 treatments annually.”
Chronic low back pain is defined as lasting 12 weeks or longer.
The decision to cover acupuncture for chronic low back pain is part of an on-going effort Medicare is making to offer non-narcotic and opioid-free treatment options for those in chronic pain.
The 2020 Medicare & You book had already been published and mailed prior to this decision so it is not listed there as a covered service. If you are on Original Medicare you now have this option to try or use acupuncture for chronic low back pain. Some Medicare Advantage plans had already started covering acupuncture and may cover more than the Medicare minimum requirement. Please see your plan’s Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage for specific details.