Resources Are Designed to Help Patients Better Understand and Navigate Common Barriers to Receiving Timely and Affordable Chiropractic Care

Download the Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan Patient Education Flyers

High Copayments

Per-Diem Payment

Prior Authorization

QR Code Version

The Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan’s Reimbursement Workgroup, which includes MAC Executive Director Kristine Dowell, has taken a significant step forward in empowering chiropractic patients by developing and distributing three educational flyers aimed at addressing complex and often restrictive insurance policies. These resources are designed to help patients better understand and navigate high copayments, per-diem payment models, and prior authorization requirements – common barriers to receiving timely and affordable chiropractic care.

The Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan invites all chiropractic offices nationwide to download and distribute these vital resources to their patients TODAY. Patients and chiropractors alike are encouraged to utilize these materials to demand coverage that truly supports their health needs. The flyers provide key talking points for engaging with insurance representatives, HR departments, and legislators to push for policies that ensure fair reimbursement, lower copays, and faster access to care.

Empowering Patients with Knowledge

The newly released flyers focus on key challenges patients face when using their insurance for chiropractic care:

• The Reality Behind High Copays – Many patients discover that their copayments exceed the actual cost of care due to insurance companies setting low reimbursement rates. This results in “phantom benefits,” where coverage exists on paper but provides little actual financial relief.
• The Impact of Per-Diem Insurance Models – Some insurers use fixed per-visit reimbursement structures that limit the care provided at each appointment. This forces patients to schedule more visits with additional copays, delaying recovery and increasing overall costs.
• The Burden of Prior Authorization – Insurance companies often require pre-approval for chiropractic services, leading to unnecessary delays, reduced access to care, and potential worsening of conditions while waiting for authorization.

Also available is a pdf that includes QR Codes that link to each of the handouts. Offices can print and distribute to affected patients, if desired.

A Call to Action

““These flyers were developed to equip patients with the knowledge and understanding they need to advocate for themselves and their families” said Kristine Dowell, MAC Executive Director and Strategic Plan Reimbursement Workgroup member. “By understanding how insurance structures affect access to care, patients can help us as we advocate for change.”

About Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan

Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan is a collaborative initiative dedicated to creating better access, better reimbursement, and a brighter future for the profession. Through innovation, data, research, and technology, the plan aims to shape the future of chiropractic healthcare across the country.

Source: Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan Press Release, “Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan Releases Patient Education Flyers to Address Insurance Barriers,” March 17, 2025