04/11/2022

Pro-Chiropractic Legislation Introduced in U.S. Senate!

Companion Bill to H.R. 2654 Would Allow Medicare Beneficiaries to Access Medicare Covered Services Under Michigan’s Chiropractic Scope of Practice

Contact Senators Stabenow and Peters and ask them to cosponsor S. 4042. Click here to send an email TODAY! See below for information on how to contact them by phone.

On April 7, 2022, Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal and three colleagues from both sides of the aisle introduced S. 4042, legislation that would allow beneficiaries to access Medicare covered services under Michigan’s chiropractic scope of practice. Identical to H.R. 2654 – the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act – S. 4042 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance.

Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow sits on this important committee, so it is critical that we obtain her support for S. 4042. It is also crucial that Michigan’s other Senator, Gary Peters, also sign on as an original cosponsor.

Call Senators Stabenow and Peters TODAY!

The most effective way to contact Senators Stabenow and Peters is by phone:

• Senator Debbie Stabenow: (202) 224-4822
• Senator Gary Peters: (202) 224-6221

When calling Senator Stabenow and Peters, please use the following script:

• Good morning/afternoon, I am calling today to ask Senator Stabenow/Peters to cosponsor S. 4042.
• This bill would allow Michigan Medicare beneficiaries who choose chiropractic for their health care needs to access the full complement of chiropractic services allowed under Michigan’s chiropractic scope of practice.
• Currently, chiropractic patients in Medicare are restricted to only one service – manual manipulation of the spine to correct subluxation – even though most states, including Michigan, allow a broad variety of beneficial drug- and surgery-free services under their state’s scope.
• For this reason, I humbly ask Senator Stabenow/Peters to cosponsor S. 4042.

Emailing Senators Stabenow and Peters

To send an email to Senators Stabenow and Peters, click here. The MAC has prepared a message you can send. It’s fast, easy, and will maker a difference!

Cosponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives Still Needed!

We are still seeking as many cosponsors of H.R. 2654, the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, as possible. To date, six of the 14 members of Michigan’s delegation have signed on, so we still have some work to do.

Click here to contact your U.S. representative and ask him or her to become a cosponsor of H.R. 2654.

What They're Saying About S. 4042

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut): “This bill will make it easier for seniors to get the chiropractic care they need for their pain. Burdensome regulations currently in place are an onerous obstacle for Medicare patients seeking necessary treatment. By expanding Medicare coverage to all chiropractic services, this measure will ensure seniors have alternative means of treatment when managing their pain—a substitute to potentially addictive opioid prescriptions.”

Senator Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota): “Chiropractors can provide patients with a wide range of health care services, but current restrictions under Medicare prevent them from offering seniors a full scope of treatments or ordering diagnostic services. This is particularly an issue in rural areas. Our bill, the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, provides care options from chiropractors for Medicare patients suffering from back or neck pain, and ensures they can receive the care they need.” 

Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin): “The more than 1.1 million Wisconsinites on Medicare should have the option to receive safe chiropractic care should they want it. I am proud to join this bipartisan legislation to ensure Medicare covers this non-drug approach to pain management for its recipients.”

Senator Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi): “Chiropractic services can make a world of difference for patients suffering from chronic pain. I am glad to join this bipartisan effort to expand access and improve flexibility for Medicare patients who want an alternative to narcotics for pain management.”

Source: Senator Richard Blumenthal Press Release, "Blumenthal, Cramer, Baldwin & Wicker Introduce Legislation to Expand Medicare Coverage of Chiropractic Services," April 8, 2022