Short answer up top, then the exact rule. Here's what Original Medicare does and doesn't cover for physical therapy in 2026 — and where a Medicare Advantage plan can fill the gap.
Quick answer: Yes. Part B covers medically necessary outpatient physical therapy when your provider certifies you need it, and there's no annual dollar limit on covered therapy. After the Part B deductible you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans must cover medically necessary physical therapy too, but they use their own networks, referral rules, and copays. Confirm in-network therapists and any prior-authorization requirement with the plan.
Anyone recovering from surgery, injury, stroke, or a condition that limits movement. As long as therapy remains medically necessary and your provider documents progress or a maintenance need, Medicare keeps covering it — there's no yearly ceiling to hit.
See the current Part A, Part B, and Part D numbers — premiums, deductibles, and the new drug cap — in one place. Free, no signup.
See 2026 Medicare Costs →No. The old hard therapy cap was repealed — there's no annual dollar limit on medically necessary outpatient physical therapy under Part B. Above a certain spending threshold your provider just has to confirm the therapy is still medically necessary.
After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered outpatient physical therapy. A Medigap policy can cover that 20% coinsurance; Medicare Advantage plans set their own copays instead.
Coverage gaps in Original Medicare — like physical therapy — are exactly what a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan is meant to fill. Our free Enrollment Finder shows the window you can switch in, and the guide library walks through the trade-offs. This page is free to share with anyone weighing their options.
Open the Enrollment Finder →This answer is based on U.S. government Medicare coverage rules: