ACA celebrates 100th co-sponsor of Chiropractic Medicare Modernization Act

This week, Reps. Gregory Steube (R-Fla.), Brian Mast (R-Fla.) and Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.) joined their colleagues in supporting H.R. 2654, the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, bringing the total number of co-sponsors of the bill to 100. Introduced in April by Rep. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.) with 16 original co-sponsors, the measure would allow beneficiary access to the full scope of current Medicare services allowed under a chiropractor’s state licensure.

“For nearly 50 years, beneficiaries have been denied full access to Medicare-covered services in a chiropractic clinic,” said American Chiropractic Association (ACA) President Michele Maiers, DC, MPH, PhD. “The current statute is antiquated and needs to be modernized. I thank Congressman Higgins and the 100 cosponsors who support Medicare patients and who have supported this legislation.”

The chiropractic benefit in Medicare dates to 1972 and only covers “manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation.” H.R. 2654 would allow Medicare beneficiaries access to the chiropractic profession’s broad-based, non-drug approach to pain management, which includes manual manipulation of the spine and extremities, evaluation and management services, diagnostic imaging and utilization of other non-drug approaches that have become an important strategy in national efforts to stem the epidemic of prescription opioid overuse and abuse.

“The more co-sponsors we have, the greater the likelihood of our success,” noted ACA Legislative Committee Chair Keith Overland, DC. “I want to thank all the dedicated ACA volunteers, as well as the numerous chiropractic state associations, organizations and individual supporters from all 50 states, who have answered the bell and helped move this vital piece of legislation. But our work is not done; we need the profession to continue to garner additional co-sponsors and support.”

H.R. 2654 was referred to two House committees, Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce. A Senate companion bill has not yet been introduced; however, work is underway to secure introduction in that chamber.

For a full list of H.R. 2654 cosponsors, click here.

For more information on the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, and how you can help, go to www.HR2654.org.

About the American Chiropractic Association
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is the largest professional chiropractic organization in the United States. ACA attracts the most principled and accomplished chiropractors, who understand that it takes more to be called an ACA chiropractor. We are leading our profession in the most constructive and far-reaching ways–by working hand in hand with other health care professionals, by lobbying for pro-chiropractic legislation and policies, by supporting meaningful research and by using that research to inform our treatment practices. We also provide professional and educational opportunities for all our members and are committed to being a positive and unifying force for the practice of modern chiropractic. To learn more, visit www.acatoday.org, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.