Findings; Statement of purpose

(a) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) In 1972, coverage was established under the Medicare program for beneficiaries to receive chiropractic care. (2) 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. (3) 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. (4) 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. (b) Purpose It is the purpose of this Act to expand recognition and coverage of a doctor of chiropractic as a physician under the Medicare program in connection with the performance of any function or action, including current service of manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation, as is legally authorized by the State in which such doctor performs such function or action.