Chiropractic colleges testify about Missouri Medicaid

August 17, 2013 — Patrick Montgomery, DC, and Cheryl Hawk, DC, faculty members of Logan University’s College of Chiropractic, and Carl S. Cleveland III, DC, president of Cleveland Chiropractic College–Kansas City, testified yesterday in Cameron, Mo., at a public hearing held by the Citizens and Legislators Working Group on Medicaid Eligibility and Reform of the Missouri House of Representatives.

Doctors of Chiropractic are currently not included in Missouri’s Medicaid system, though 26 other states do include chiropractic services in Medicaid. “Much of Missouri is underserved by the chiropractic profession,” says Montgomery, who is president of the Missouri State Chiropractic Association, “especially in rural areas with high concentrations of Medicaid-eligible Missourians.”

By including doctors of chiropractic in Missouri’s Medicaid system, eligible Missourians would have access to a type of care uniquely suited for low back pain and other musculoskeletal pain conditions, one which also contributes to preventive care.

In statements following the hearing, the presidents of Missouri’s two chiropractic colleges emphasized the value of chiropractic care. Cleveland stated, “Research confirms that doctors of chiropractic provide an effective, safe and affordable approach to managing neck, back and headache pain. Inclusion of doctors of chiropractic in the Missouri Medicaid program would have a very positive impact benefiting those citizens eligible for these services.”

“We are excited to participate in the public discussion at the state level about expanding and improving access to chiropractic health care for Missourians,” said Dr. Clay McDonald, president of Logan University in St. Louis. “We look forward to participating with other providers in delivering integrated health care services.”

Source: Cleveland Chiropractic College, cleveland.edu