If you’re considering chiropractic care in Walnut Creek and wondering whether your insurance will help cover the costs, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most frequent questions patients ask before scheduling care. Here at Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness (ECRW), we understand how important it is to get quality treatment without financial roadblocks. Let’s guide you through the top insurance plans that typically cover chiropractic care in Walnut Creek—and what you need to know to get started.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic back pain, a recent injury, or just looking to move better and feel healthier, understanding your insurance options can help you feel more confident about your decision to seek care.
Does Insurance Typically Cover Chiropractic Care?
The short answer? Often, yes—many insurance plans do offer coverage for chiropractic services. But the level of coverage differs significantly between providers and depends on your specific plan.
As a side note, here’s a list of health insurances we accept.
Most health insurance plans fall into one of these categories:
- Employer-sponsored group plans
- Individual or family plans
- Medicare or Medicaid plans
- PPOs, HMOs, and EPOs
Each of these comes with its own rules about chiropractic coverage. Fortunately, Walnut Creek residents have access to a wide range of options when it comes to finding an insurance provider that supports chiropractic treatment.
Top Insurance Providers That Cover Chiropractic in Walnut Creek
Let’s explore some of the top insurance companies within Walnut Creek that generally include chiropractic care as part of their plan offerings.
Aetna
Aetna is a common choice among Walnut Creek residents. Many of its plans include limited chiropractic sessions per year, often requiring a referral from a primary care physician. Coverage varies by employer group and tier level, so you should confirm the number of visits allowed under your policy.
Here’s what typical Aetna plans might cover:
- Chiropractic manipulation of the spine with medical necessity
- Often requires a diagnosis code for approval
- Usually includes a visit limit per year (e.g., 20–30 sessions)
Anthem Blue Cross
Anthem Blue Cross has a strong network in California, and many of their plans offer robust chiropractic benefits. PPO plans tend to provide the most flexibility in selecting your chiropractor of choice.
- No referral necessary for PPO plans
- Coverage may include both assessment and treatment
- Regular co-pays or coinsurance apply after deductible
Patients who visit ECRW with Anthem Blue Cross are usually able to access treatment under their chiropractic benefits with minimal hassle.
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser is slightly more complicated when it comes to chiropractic. It doesn’t always offer chiropractic as part of standard coverage, but Kaiser members can often purchase supplemental plans through American Specialty Health (ASH) that include chiropractic services.
- Patients often require referral through ASH network
- Preauthorization may be needed
- Specific chiropractors must be within ASH network (ECRW is familiar with this process)
Even if it’s a little extra legwork, many Kaiser patients do access chiropractic care through this route.
Cigna
Cigna’s plans often include well-rounded musculoskeletal benefits, and chiropractic services are frequently covered for medically necessary treatment.
Here’s what to expect:
- Referral requirements depend on plan type
- Session limits may apply (e.g., 15-30 visits/year)
- Cigna may require periodic re-evaluation to continue treatment
Cigna is particularly good at covering care that is part of a holistic, preventive wellness plan—something we value highly at ECRW.
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) often backs chiropractic but may cap usage depending on the plan structure. Like Cigna, UHC is known for backing evidence-based care that supports physical recovery and pain management.
Key points for UHC holders:
- Chiropractic care typically must be medically necessary
- Authorization may be required for extended treatment plans
- PPOs offer better chiropractor access than HMOs
ECRW works with many patients using UHC plans and helps guide them through what’s covered and what’s not.
Medicare
If you’re 65 or older or otherwise eligible for Medicare, chiropractic care is partially covered. But there’s a catch: Medicare Part B only covers spinal manipulation to correct a subluxation (a misalignment of the spine). Other services—like exams, X-rays, or massage—typically aren’t covered.
However, many patients use Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which may offer more comprehensive coverage. These plans are offered by private carriers like Aetna, UHC, and Anthem and often include broader chiropractic benefits.
So if you’re on Medicare, your coverage depends heavily on whether you’re using Original Medicare or have enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
What Does Chiropractic Insurance Coverage Typically Include?
Once you confirm your insurance covers chiropractic care, the next question is: What exactly is covered?
While the particulars vary, here’s what most plans that include chiropractic benefits will cover:
- Initial evaluation and diagnosis — This is often covered if deemed medically necessary.
- Spinal adjustments — These are virtually always included in chiropractic care coverage.
- Re-examinations or follow-up assessments to track progress.
- Physical therapy exercises or adjunctive therapies — Some plans include these, others don’t.
What’s not typically covered:
- Massage therapy (unless part of a physical rehab plan)
- Nutritional counseling or supplements
- Preventive care sessions with no specific condition
That’s why it’s critical to verify with your provider ahead of time—and at Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness, we’re happy to help walk you through this before your first visit.
Tips for Navigating Chiropractic Insurance Benefits
We’ve seen many patients walk in confused about what they’re allowed to use. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re getting the most from your insurance coverage:
1. Call Your Insurance Provider
Before your first appointment, call your insurer directly. Ask specifically:
- “Do I have chiropractic care benefits?”
- “Am I required to get a referral or preauthorization?”
- “How many visits are covered per year?”
- “Is Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness an in-network provider?”
2. Ask Your Chiropractor’s Front Desk
Here at ECRW, we’re deeply familiar with the ins and outs of insurance verification. You don’t need to do this alone. Our team can check your benefits, confirm your co-pay or deductible responsibilities, and even help you understand if your plan allows direct access or needs referral letters.
3. Understand Your Financial Responsibility
Even with insurance, you may have:
- A co-pay per visit (commonly $15–$50)
- A coinsurance rate, meaning you pay a portion of the visit after your deductible is met
- An annual maximum number of allowed visits
Understanding this upfront eliminates surprises.
4. Track Your Sessions
If your plan limits you to a fixed number of visits each year, keep track. We’ll also help you monitor this and can re-evaluate your care plan based on your insurance’s timeline.
FAQs About Chiropractic Insurance in Walnut Creek
Do I need a referral for chiropractic care?
In many cases—especially with PPOs—you don’t need a referral. But if you’re on an HMO plan or working through systems like ASH (commonly paired with Kaiser), a referral or authorization might be required. We can help you figure that out.
What if I run out of covered sessions?
Many patients pay out-of-pocket once they exceed their visit limit. We offer transparent pricing options if you need continued care beyond your insurance coverage. Ask us about affordable wellness plans.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for chiropractic?
Yes, absolutely. Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts often cover chiropractic care—even for services not covered by your core insurance plan. It’s a great way to stretch your health budget.
Why Choose Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness?
At Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness, we do more than just adjust your spine—we help guide you toward a pain-free lifestyle. Our modern clinic in Walnut Creek is designed for comfort, efficiency, and real results.
We’re passionate about helping our community move better, live pain free, and understand their care. From insurance navigation to customized treatment plans, our goal is to bring out the best in you.
And yes—we accept most major insurance plans discussed in this article and are happy to verify coverage before your appointment.
Final Thoughts: Get the Care You Deserve—Without Guesswork
Finding chiropractic care that aligns with your insurance shouldn’t be overwhelming. If you’re in the Walnut Creek area, there are plenty of insurance plans that cover chiropractic treatment—and Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness is here to help you decode your benefits and maximize them.
Still unsure? Reach out to us for a friendly conversation about your insurance, your goals, and how we can help you move better and live pain free.
Don’t wait until the pain worsens. Take that first step today—schedule your visit or reach out with your insurance details, and together we’ll get you moving in the right direction.
Need help deciphering your chiropractic benefits? Contact Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness—we’ve got your back.
