TRICARE Chiropractic Care: Coverage and Rules (2026) | TRICARE.com

*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program or the Defense Health Agency. For official policy, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## Definition TRICARE provides very limited coverage for chiropractic care, restricted almost exclusively to Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) through the Chiropractic Care Program at specific military hospitals and clinics.

## What it means in practice For the vast majority of TRICARE beneficiaries—including retirees, family members, and those using TRICARE Reserve Select—chiropractic care is **not a covered benefit**. TRICARE does not pay for treatment by a chiropractor, nor does it reimburse for the cost of such care if you seek it in the civilian community. This exclusion applies to all civilian plans, including TRICARE Select, TRICARE Prime (for family members), and TRICARE For Life.

Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) are the exception. Under the Chiropractic Care Program, ADSMs can receive treatment for neuromusculoskeletal conditions at approximately 60 designated military medical facilities. To access this, an ADSM must be referred by their Primary Care Manager (PCM) and undergo a screening to ensure their condition is appropriate for chiropractic intervention. There is no out-of-pocket cost for ADSMs treated at these military installations.

In very rare instances, a TRICARE-authorized physician (MD or DO) or physical therapist might perform manual manipulation. If the service is provided by a covered professional and fits within the scope of physical therapy or orthopedic treatment, it may be covered. However, if the provider is a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), the claim will be denied for everyone except Active Duty members at military clinics.

For family members and retirees who require spinal care, TRICARE typically covers alternatives such as physical therapy, acupuncture (for specific pain conditions), or orthopedic specialty care, provided they are medically necessary and performed by TRICARE-authorized providers. As of the 2026 plan year, costs for these alternative specialty visits vary by status; for example, a Group A retiree on TRICARE Select might pay a $38 copayment for a physical therapy visit, whereas an Active Duty family member on Prime would pay $0.

## Related terms * **Active Duty Service Member (ADSM):** A person currently serving full-time in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force. * **Excluded Services:** Medical assessments or treatments that TRICARE does not cover, requiring the beneficiary to pay 100% of the cost. * **Physical Therapy:** A covered benefit involving exercises and treatments to improve movement and manage pain, often used as an alternative to chiropractic care. * **Primary Care Manager (PCM):** The doctor responsible for coordinating all aspects of a TRICARE Prime member's care and providing referrals to specialists. * **Direct Care:** Medical services provided at a military hospital or clinic (Military Treatment Facility) rather than through a civilian provider.

## Sources * TRICARE.mil: Chiropractic Care - https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/ChiropracticCare * Defense Health Agency: TRICARE Exclusions - https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/Exclusions * Humana Military (TRICARE East): https://www.humanamilitary.com/beneficiary/health-and-wellness/covered-services/chiropractic-care/