Longshore work is physically demanding—marked by heavy lifting, repetitive motion, awkward postures, and long shifts. Over time, that can take a toll on your body. Back pain, joint issues, and spinal tension are common challenges among dockworkers and port personnel.
That’s why many longshore workers rely on chiropractic care to keep their bodies aligned, mobile, and strong. And for those covered by the ILWU-PMA Coastwise Indemnity Plan, the good news is: you’re well-covered.
At Elite Chiropractic Rehab and Wellness, we specialize in treating longshore professionals throughout Walnut Creek and beyond. If you’re unsure how your ILWU insurance applies—or what to expect—this guide breaks it all down.
The Physical Demands of Longshore Work
Before we get into insurance details, it’s worth acknowledging why chiropractic care is often essential for ILWU members.
Common longshore-related physical issues include:
- Lower back pain from lifting heavy cargo
- Neck and shoulder strain from crane and equipment use
- Sciatica from prolonged standing or twisting
- Joint misalignment due to repetitive movement
- Muscle tightness and nerve compression
These issues don’t just impact work performance—they affect sleep, mobility, and quality of life. Chiropractic care helps restore alignment, reduce inflammation, and improve functional movement, making it a natural fit for longshore workers.
ILWU-PMA Insurance: A Strong Chiropractic Benefit
If you’re covered under the ILWU-PMA Coastwise Indemnity Plan as a PPO member, you have up to 40 chiropractic visits per benefit year (July 1 – June 30). These visits are fully covered at 100%—when performed by an in-network chiropractor within the Chiropractic Health Plan of California (CHPC) network.
Elite CRW is a CHPC-participating provider, which means:
- No out-of-pocket cost for covered visits
- No claim delays
- Full coordination with the ILWU claims office
If you’re not sure what kind of ILWU plan you have, we’ll verify that for you—free of charge.
Covered Services for Longshore Professionals
Most ILWU-covered chiropractic care includes treatment for:
- Spinal subluxations (vertebral misalignment)
- Joint dysfunction and stiffness
- Acute or chronic back and neck pain
- Sciatica, nerve irritation, and mobility loss
- Repetitive-use strain and postural issues
Typical covered services at Elite CRW include:
- Spinal adjustments to improve mobility and reduce pressure
- Soft tissue therapy to relieve muscle tension
- Corrective exercises to retrain joint movement
- Re-evaluations to monitor progress
- X-rays and diagnostic imaging, covered up to $100 annually
We personalize each treatment plan based on your work demands, injury history, and performance goals—ensuring the care is medically necessary and aligns with ILWU’s documentation requirements.
Visit Limits and Documentation Requirements
While the ILWU plan is generous, it does have structure:
- Up to 12 visits allowed in the first month of care
- 10 in the second, then 8, 5, and 5 in following months
- Additional visits beyond 40 can be requested with supporting documentation
- Care that exceeds the plan’s guidelines may be referred to a chiropractic consultant for review
That’s why Elite CRW tracks your progress and ensures all claims meet ILWU standards.
For Retired Longshore Workers with Medicare
If you’re retired and on Medicare, ILWU still provides supplemental coverage. Medicare becomes your primary insurance, and ILWU pays secondary.
Here’s how it works:
- You visit a chiropractor (like Elite CRW) who accepts Medicare
- Medicare pays its portion
- You submit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to ILWU for reimbursement on the remaining balance
- We assist you with that paperwork
This coordination helps keep your out-of-pocket costs low—even if your primary Medicare plan has limits.
How Elite CRW Helps ILWU Members Maximize Coverage
We don’t just treat symptoms—we handle the entire process. When you visit Elite Chiropractic Rehab and Wellness, you get:
- CHPC in-network care fully covered by ILWU
- Expert documentation and claim support
- Treatment that aligns with physical demands of longshore work
- Flexibility for pre-shift and post-shift appointments
- Medicare coordination for retirees or eligible members
From injury recovery to long-term wellness support, we’ve got your back—literally.
Final Thoughts
Longshore workers deserve high-quality care that reflects the physical demands of their job. ILWU insurance makes it possible—and Elite Chiropractic Rehab and Wellness in Walnut Creek makes it easy.
If you’ve been dealing with ongoing pain, stiffness, or strain from your work at the docks, don’t wait for it to worsen. ILWU covers chiropractic for a reason—it works.
Schedule your appointment today or call us to verify your ILWU eligibility and start your care plan.
