For the first time in profession history, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) are standing together on the same stage.

In this landmark episode of NCMIC’s Chiropractical, host Jon Kec is joined by Dr. Kris Anderson (ACA) and Dr. Joe Betz (ICA) to break down a critical breakthrough for your practice: a unified, strategic initiative around H.R. 539 and S.106 to modernize outdated Medicare restrictions, expand your scope of coverage, and ensure our patients get the full spectrum of care they deserve.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• A Historic Moment for the Profession: How a year of transparent dialogue led to a powerful, unified partnership between the ACA and ICA—and what this means for the future of your practice.
• Modernizing Outdated Medicare Restrictions: Currently, Medicare only reimburses basic spinal adjustments, forcing DCs to deliver necessary exams and X-rays without coverage. Learn how new legislation aims to fully cover your full scope of practice.
• Expanding Patient Access & Practice Growth: What broad Medicare coverage means for your patient volume, clinic sustainability, and your community's access to affordable care.
• The Legislative Battle on Capitol Hill: Inside the policy push—how the ACA, ICA, industry leaders like NCMIC, and the Make America Healthy Again Chiropractic Hub are pooling resources to educate lawmakers and navigate congressional budget hurdles.
• Critical December Deadlines: Why Congress's upcoming December window is the ultimate leverage point for getting this bill across the finish line.
• Setting the Stage for Broader Scope Expansion: How this victory establishes momentum for student loan forgiveness programs, expanded VA/military healthcare integration, and true parity for chiropractic care.

How You Can Help

Big changes only happen when doctors, students, and patients speak up together. Here’s how you can make a difference right now:

1. Spread the Word – Share this episode with colleagues, friends, family, and patients.
2. Support the Cause – Stay informed through the ACA, ICA, and local health groups.
3. Contact Your Representatives – Tell your local Representative and Senator to support H.R. 539 and S. 106 so Medicare covers full chiropractic care.

03:17 - Uniting the Profession

10:25 - Breaking the Gridlock

12:40 - Expanding Our Footprint

19:07 - Critical Strategy and Timeline

25:36 - Unlocking Full Scope

29:12 - Doctor-Led Advocacy

36:34 - Securing Our Future

43:30 - Your Next Move

This episode of Chiropractical was recorded on September 18, 2026.

Watch the video version of this episode on the NCMIC YouTube Channel. 

Get Connected:

• Connect with the ACA 
• Connect with the ICA 
• Connect with the MAHA Chiropractic Hub 

If you have questions for Chiropractical, reach out at AskNCMIC@NCMIC.com

About Dr. Kris Anderson

Dr. Kris Anderson is a practicing chiropractor in Grand Forks, ND, where he splits his time between private practice and Spectra Health, a federally qualified health center. He is a state and national professional association leader, currently serving as President of the American Chiropractic Association Board of Governors, and has represented the chiropractic profession as Advisor to the American Medical Association Relative Value Scale Update Committee Health Care Professionals Advisory Committee (AMA RUC HCPAC) since 2019. He has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, primarily with Clinical Compass, and has participated in practice-based clinical research for more than ten years.

About Dr. Joe Betz

Dr. Joe Betz currently serves as President of the International Chiropractors Association (ICA). He is a distinguished chiropractor, educator, researcher, regulator, and leader dedicated to advancing the chiropractic profession. As an accomplished clinician/researcher, Dr. Betz has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in many top scientific journals in the fields of chiropractic, orthopedics, spine biomechanics and general medicine. He has also co-authored clinical practice guidelines and currently speaks nationally and internationally on spinal biomechanics, posture, and clinical outcomes. Through education, research, and service, Dr. Betz continues to mentor future leaders and shape the future of chiropractic worldwide.