The Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2023 (H.R. 1610) had 145 co-sponsors by the end of December as year one of the congressional cycle wound down – only 8 fewer than achieved over the two-year congressional cycle in which identical legislation last appeared (2021-22); and 51 more than was achieved in 2019-20.
Based on increasing co-sponsor totals with each congressional cycle, efforts to get the legislation to a House vote are proving more fruitful – but still not fruitful enough. As we begin 2024, H.R. 1610 still sits under committee review, as has been the case since its introduction in March 2023.
As a refresher, here’s what the act would accomplish if signed into law, courtesy of the current bill text:
Sec. 2. Findings; Statement of purpose
(a) Findings. –
Congress finds the following:
- In 1972, coverage was established under the Medicare program for beneficiaries to receive chiropractic care.
- Unfortunately, the antiquated statute restricts beneficiaries to one service in a chiropractic clinic and Medicare chiropractic coverage has not kept up with private sector coverage and other Federal health delivery systems.
- Today, due to positive evidence-based outcomes and cost effectiveness of the services provided by doctors of chiropractic, private coverage for chiropractic services has evolved and State licensure for chiropractors has advanced to meet patient needs and health outcomes.
- This Act would bring Medicare chiropractic coverage more in line with that provided with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, and private health insurance coverage.
What will change in 2024 to help advance the legislation to a floor vote? If the status quo essentially rules the day, H.R. 1610 may end up beating the record 153 co-sponsors – but still end up dying when Congress ends its session at the end of 2024. This reality makes it imperative that every DC and every chiropractic organization make every effort to promote the power of chiropractic – and how it can help the millions of Medicare recipients who, short of paying out of pocket, cannot currently access it.
