Does Medicaid Cover Chiropractic in Texas

Extent of Chiropractic Coverage

Medicaid in Texas provides coverage for a wide range of chiropractic services, including:

  • Spinal manipulation
  • Manual therapy
  • Rehabilitation
  • Neuromuscular reeducation
  • Therapeutic exercise
  • Massage therapy
  • Acupuncture

Chiropractic care is covered for both acute and chronic conditions, and there is no limit on the number of visits that a Medicaid recipient can receive per year.

In addition to the chiropractic services listed above, Medicaid in Texas also covers the following:

  • Diagnostic X-rays
  • Laboratory tests
  • Durable medical equipment
  • Medications

These services are covered when they are medically necessary and are provided by a qualified health care provider.

ServiceCoverage
Spinal manipulationCovered for acute and chronic conditions
Manual therapyCovered for acute and chronic conditions
RehabilitationCovered for acute and chronic conditions
Neuromuscular reeducationCovered for acute and chronic conditions
Therapeutic exerciseCovered for acute and chronic conditions
Massage therapyCovered for acute and chronic conditions
AcupunctureCovered for acute and chronic conditions

Eligibility Requirements for Medicaid in Texas

To be eligible for Medicaid in Texas, you must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:

  • Be a Texas resident. You must live in Texas and have proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant. You must be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or a qualified immigrant with a valid Social Security number.
  • Meet income and asset limits. Your income and assets must be below certain limits to qualify for Medicaid. The income limits vary depending on your family size and the assets limits vary depending on the type of Medicaid you are applying for.
  • Be pregnant or have a disability. You must be pregnant, have a disability, or be the parent or caretaker of a child with a disability to qualify for Medicaid.

Additional Information

In addition to the basic eligibility requirements, there are a few other things you should know about Medicaid in Texas:

  • Medicaid is a state-federal program. The federal government provides funding for Medicaid, but the states administer the program. This means that the eligibility requirements and benefits can vary from state to state.
  • There are different types of Medicaid. There are several different types of Medicaid, each with its own eligibility requirements and benefits. Some of the most common types of Medicaid include:
  • Regular Medicaid: This is the basic Medicaid program for low-income individuals and families.
  • Children’s Medicaid: This program provides health coverage for children from birth to age 19, regardless of their family’s income.
  • Medicare Savings Programs: These programs help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay for their Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays.

You can apply for Medicaid online or through your local Medicaid office. The application process can take several weeks, so it is important to start early.

If you are approved for Medicaid, you will receive a Medicaid card. This card will allow you to access Medicaid benefits, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs.

Income LimitFamily Size
$1,3541
$2,0312
$2,6963
$3,3444
$3,9815

Who Qualifies for Chiropractic Services Under Medicaid in Texas?

To be eligible for chiropractic services under Medicaid in Texas, individuals must meet specific criteria. These criteria include:

  • Being a Texas resident
  • Being a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
  • Meeting income and resource limits
  • Having a qualifying medical condition, such as back pain, neck pain, or headaches
  • Receiving a referral from a medical doctor or other healthcare provider

Submission Process for Claims

Chiropractors who provide services to Medicaid recipients in Texas must follow specific procedures for submitting claims. These procedures include:

  • Using the Texas Medicaid Provider Manual as a reference
  • Submitting claims electronically through the Medicaid Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system
  • Including all required information on the claim form, such as the patient’s name, date of birth, and Medicaid ID number
  • Attaching all necessary supporting documentation, such as the patient’s medical records and the chiropractor’s treatment plan
  • Submitting claims within the timely filing limits, which is generally 12 months from the date of service

Payment Rates for Chiropractic Services

The Texas Medicaid program reimburses chiropractors for covered services at specific rates. These rates are based on a variety of factors, including the type of service provided, the patient’s age, and the geographic location of the chiropractor’s office. Chiropractors can find the current payment rates for chiropractic services in the Texas Medicaid Provider Manual.

Additional Information

For more information about chiropractic services under Medicaid in Texas, chiropractors can contact the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) Help Desk at 1-800-252-8263. TMHP is the managed care organization that administers Medicaid benefits in Texas.

Summary of Eligibility Criteria for Chiropractic Services Under Medicaid in Texas
CriteriaDescription
ResidencyMust be a Texas resident
CitizenshipMust be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
Income and Resource LimitsMust meet income and resource limits set by the Texas Medicaid program
Qualifying Medical ConditionMust have a qualifying medical condition, such as back pain, neck pain, or headaches
ReferralMust have a referral from a medical doctor or other healthcare provider

Common Reasons for Claim Denials

There are a few common reasons why Medicaid claims for chiropractic care may be denied. These include:

  • Lack of Prior Authorization: Most Medicaid programs require prior authorization for chiropractic services. This means that the chiropractor must obtain approval from the Medicaid program before providing care. If prior authorization is not obtained, the claim may be denied.
  • Services Not Covered: Some Medicaid programs only cover certain types of chiropractic services. For example, some programs may only cover chiropractic care for back pain, while others may also cover care for neck pain, headaches, and other conditions. If the chiropractor provides services that are not covered by the Medicaid program, the claim may be denied.
  • Documentation Errors: Medicaid claims must be submitted with complete and accurate documentation. This includes the patient’s medical history, the chiropractor’s diagnosis, and the treatment plan. If the documentation is incomplete or inaccurate, the claim may be denied.
  • Provider Not Enrolled in Medicaid: In order to bill Medicaid, the chiropractor must be enrolled in the Medicaid program. If the chiropractor is not enrolled, the claim may be denied.
  • Services Not Medically Necessary: Medicaid only covers services that are medically necessary. This means that the services must be necessary to treat the patient’s condition and must be provided by a qualified provider. If the services are not medically necessary, the claim may be denied.
Table of Common Reasons for Claim Denials
ReasonDescription
Lack of Prior AuthorizationChiropractor must obtain approval from Medicaid program before providing care.
Services Not CoveredSome Medicaid programs only cover certain types of chiropractic services.
Documentation ErrorsClaims must be submitted with complete and accurate documentation.
Provider Not Enrolled in MedicaidChiropractor must be enrolled in Medicaid program to bill Medicaid.
Services Not Medically NecessaryMedicaid only covers services that are necessary to treat the patient’s condition.

Well, folks, that’s the scoop on whether Medicaid covers chiropractic treatment in the Lone Star State. If you’re looking for a more in-depth overview of Medicaid policies in Texas or have additional questions about chiropractic coverage, head on over to the official Medicaid website. And while you’re there, don’t forget to explore other helpful resources and information. Thanks for stopping by, and we hope to see you again soon!