Does Medicare Cover Massage Therapy in 2025?

So you’re wondering if Medicare covers massage therapy in 2025—good question! A lot of people are turning to massage therapy these days to help with pain and stress, so it makes sense to ask if Medicare will pitch in. Massage therapy can do wonders for relieving aches and improving your overall health. But does Medicare think it’s important enough to cover? Let’s dive into it.

What’s Massage Therapy Anyway?

Massage therapy isn’t just a luxury at fancy spas—though it’s great for that too. It’s a hands-on treatment where a trained therapist works on your muscles and soft tissues to ease pain and improve your well-being. Whether you’re into Swedish massage or deep tissue work, the benefits are real. Massage can help with:

• Chronic pain
• Stress
• Flexibility and mobility
• Getting better sleep

But here’s the kicker—Medicare doesn’t usually see it as “medically necessary.” So what does that mean for your wallet?

Does Medicare Pay for Massage Therapy?

Bad news for massage fans—Medicare doesn’t cover massage therapy. At least, not in the way you might hope. Original Medicare (that’s Part A and Part B) only covers services that are considered necessary for treating or diagnosing a medical condition. And while massages can feel like they’re absolutely essential after a long week, Medicare still considers it alternative therapy. That means you’re going to have to pay for your relaxation sessions yourself.

As Henry Beltran, owner of Medicare Advisors Insurance Group LLC says, “I’d love it if Medicare started covering massages—honestly we all could use ‘em! But for now you’re out of luck unless it’s tied to something more medical.”

Any Exceptions?

Well, there’s a glimmer of hope—under very specific conditions, Medicare might cover massage therapy. If your doctor prescribes it as part of physical therapy to treat a medical issue, you might be able to get a few sessions covered. But this is the exception, not the rule.

• Medicare Part B covers physical therapy if a doctor says it’s necessary for your condition
• Massage might be included as part of that treatment—but only if it’s under the umbrella of physical therapy

Here’s the catch—the massage therapist has to work under a licensed physical therapist or other approved medical professional. So, don’t think you can just waltz into any spa and have Medicare pick up the tab.

Other Ways to Get Massage Therapy Covered

Don’t give up yet! There are a few other ways you might get help with paying for massages.

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)

Medicare Advantage plans—run by private insurance companies—sometimes offer perks like massage therapy. It’s not super common, but it’s out there. Just make sure to read the fine print because the details can vary between plans.

Henry Beltran’s tip: “Always check your Advantage plan—some of them offer extras like massage therapy. It’s not a guarantee but worth looking into!”

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

If you’re still working and have a high-deductible health plan, you might have a Health Savings Account. With an HSA, you can save money tax-free to use for medical expenses—and in some cases, massage therapy qualifies. It’s a nice little workaround.

Pros: You can save some money on taxes while getting your massages

Cons: You need to have that high-deductible plan first

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

An FSA works kind of like an HSA, except it’s offered through your employer. You can set aside pre-tax money for medical expenses—including possibly massage therapy. But keep in mind FSAs usually expire at the end of the year.

Pro: Pre-tax dollars for massage? Yes, please

Con: You have to use it before the year’s up

The Not-So-Great Parts About Medicare and Massage Therapy

Now let’s talk about why Medicare’s approach to massage therapy kinda misses the mark—and we’ll have some fun with it too.

No Spa Days Covered

Wouldn’t it be great if Medicare paid for your spa days? Sadly, that’s not happening. Medicare only wants to cover services they think are “medically necessary.” Relaxing massages? Not on their list.

Potential Drawback: You’re paying out of pocket—but hey, at least you get to pick whatever massage you want!

You’ll Need a Doctor’s Note

If you want massage therapy covered under Medicare, it’s going to have to be part of physical therapy prescribed by your doctor. So there’s paperwork—and you have to prove it’s for something medical, not just because you’re sore from sitting at your desk.

Potential Drawback: More paperwork than relaxation—but you get a good excuse to see your doctor!

Medicare Advantage Plans Are Hit or Miss

Sure, Medicare Advantage plans offer some perks like massage therapy coverage—but it’s still not a sure thing. Even if it’s covered, it’s often limited. After a few sessions, you’ll probably have to start paying out of pocket again.

Potential Drawback: Limited coverage—but it’s better than nothing, right?

Wrapping It Up—What’s the Deal with Medicare and Massage Therapy?

So, does Medicare cover massage therapy? In most cases, no. Original Medicare only pays for services they think are medically necessary, and massage therapy just doesn’t make the cut. However, if you’ve got a doctor who’ll prescribe it as part of physical therapy—or you’ve got a Medicare Advantage plan that covers it—you might catch a break.

Henry Beltran sums it up nicely: “If you’re hoping Medicare will cover your weekly massages, you’re going to have to budget for it yourself. But if you’ve got a great plan—or a doctor who’s willing to prescribe it—you might be able to work something out.”

Here’s What You Should Remember:

• Original Medicare doesn’t usually cover massage therapy unless it’s tied to physical therapy
• Medicare Advantage plans might offer some coverage—but check your plan details
• HSAs or FSAs can help pay for massages if you’re eligible
• Most massages will still be an out-of-pocket expense

At the end of the day, you’re probably going to have to pay for most of your massages. But hey—sometimes treating yourself is totally worth it!