06/13/2025
I have an update on Chiropractic care coverage in Medical Assistance. On Monday of this week, the Minnesota legislature passed a budget bill. In that bill was elimination of Chiropractic coverage in Medical Assistance for people 21 and older. This will go into effect January 1, 2026. People under 21 are still covered because that is a federally mandated benefit.
How did this happen, you might ask. Before the start of the legislative session, Governor Tim Walz put forth his budget proposal. In that proposal, he wanted to eliminate coverage for Chiropractic care in Medical Assistance. That item was struck from his proposal due to the uproar from providers, patients, and advocacy groups.
However, the Chiropractic cut was returned to the budget in the special session. Republican Senator Utke attempted an amendment to the budget bill that would keep Chiropractic care in Medical Assistance, but on pressure from the Governor the DFL voted down the amendment.
Governor Tim Walz removed Chiropractic care from Medical Assistance with help from DFL legislators. Here's the fun part! He even acknowledged that it will actually raise costs overall in his own proposal: “Reducing coverage for chiropractic care could disproportionately affect individuals managing chronic pain or mobility issues, particularly older adults and people with disabilities. Similar benefit reductions in other states led to increased reliance on emergency care, escalating costs and worsening health outcomes for vulnerable groups.”
Governor Tim Walz is responsible.
To the hundreds of patients on MA that I have served for almost 19 years, I am sorry. I made phone calls, sent emails, and spoke with my legislators directly. In the end, Governor Walz decided he is in charge. We will obviously still see you in the office, but all services will be self-pay starting January 1 of next year. Please be assured that the Minnesota Chiropractic Association will not give up this fight and will work to restore your benefits.
I would encourage you to contact the Governor's office directly. You can call 651-201-3400 to reach his office. You will likely have to leave a message, and the time given for that is brief.
Again, I am sorry. I will not give up the fight for you.
If you would like to watch the discussion on this in the legislature here is the link. The discussion starts at 2:16 and runs about 14 minutes.
Agenda: HF 1 (Rasmusson) Healthcare coverage for undocumented adults HF 2 (Wiklund) Health and human services budget bill HF 3 (Hoffman) Human s...
