Don't Let Your Health Insurance Benefits Go Unused! What You Need to Know Before 2027

As 2026 comes to a close, now is a great time to take a closer look at your health insurance benefits. Whether you have insurance through your employer, an individual health plan, Original Medicare, or Medicare Advantage, your coverage may change in 2027. Knowing what to expect can help you make informed decisions before the new year begins.

Make the Most of Your Remaining 2026 Benefits

Many health insurance plans operate on a calendar year, meaning your deductible and annual chiropractic visit allowance may reset on January 1.

Here are a few insurance terms worth understanding:

• Deductible: The amount you pay for certain covered healthcare services before your insurance begins sharing the cost.

• Copayment: A fixed amount you pay for a covered service, such as $25 per office visit.

• Coinsurance: A percentage of the cost you're responsible for, such as 20%.

• Visit Limits: Some insurance plans cover a specific number of medically necessary chiropractic visits each year. Unused visits typically don't roll over into the next benefit year.

If you've met your deductible or have chiropractic visits remaining, now may be a good time to schedule care before your benefits reset.

Open Enrollment: Your 2027 Coverage May Look Different

Open enrollment is the time to review your health insurance and make changes for the coming year. Important enrollment dates include:

• Medicare: October 15 – December 7, 2026

• Health Insurance Marketplace: November 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027, with December 15 as the deadline for coverage beginning January 1.

• Employer-Sponsored Insurance: Dates vary by employer, but many enrollment periods take place during the fall.

Even if you plan to keep the same insurance company, don't assume your benefits will stay the same! Deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, chiropractic visit limits, and provider networks can change from one year to the next. When reviewing your 2027 coverage, look beyond the monthly premium and consider how the plan covers the healthcare services you actually use.

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: What's the Difference?

Although both provide Medicare coverage, they work differently.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is administered by the federal government. Patients can generally visit any healthcare provider nationwide who accepts Medicare. Patients may also purchase Medicare supplemental insurance to help cover certain out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered through private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans provide Medicare-covered benefits and often include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits. However, they may have provider networks, different copayments, and additional coverage requirements.

The best Medicare option depends on your individual healthcare needs, preferred doctors, and budget. Before switching from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, it's also important to understand that purchasing a supplemental insurance policy may be subject to eligibility and enrollment rules.

If you have Medicare Advantage, be sure to review any notices from your insurance company. Changes may affect:

• Participating doctors and provider networks

• Chiropractic copayments or coinsurance

• Covered services and visit limits

• Referral or prior authorization requirements

Yes, Medicare Covers Chiropractic Care!

One question we frequently hear is, "Does Medicare cover chiropractic adjustments?"

Yes! Original Medicare Part B covers medically necessary manual manipulation of the spine to correct a vertebral subluxation.

For 2026, the annual Medicare Part B deductible is $283. Once that deductible has been met, Original Medicare generally pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered chiropractic services, leaving the patient responsible for the remaining 20%. Supplemental insurance may help cover that portion. The 2027 Medicare Part B deductible has not yet been officially announced and may increase.

It's important to understand that Medicare's chiropractic benefit does not cover maintenance adjustments, chiropractic examinations, X-rays, or additional therapies. Medicare Advantage plans must cover Medicare-covered chiropractic services, although patient costs and plan requirements may differ.

At Perfect Alignment Chiropractic, we're happy to help you understand your chiropractic insurance benefits and answer questions about your coverage.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Make the most of your remaining 2026 benefits! Call Perfect Alignment Chiropractic at 501-223-2345 to schedule your appointment before the year ends!