Does Medicare cover the cost of acupuncture?

Medicare does not cover acupuncture. Remember Medicare offers some coverage for physical, occupational, and speech therapy but no acupuncture as of yet.

Under Original Medicare, you will pay 100% of the costs for acupuncture treatment.

Medicare usually won’t cover services that aren’t “medically necessary,” and, currently, acupuncture isn’t covered under Original Medicare, Part A and Part B. If you have Original Medicare, you’d likely pay for acupuncture services out-of-pocket. If you’re planning to see an acupuncturist, it’s important to ask about the costs of the first and follow-up appointments, if there is a sliding scale based on income, how many appointments are necessary, and about additional costs.