Does Insurance Cover Naturopathic Medicine?

Yes, some insurance plans cover naturopathic medicine. Coverage depends on your state, insurance company, and plan type. Private insurance companies offer more coverage than government programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine uses natural treatments to help the body heal itself. Licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) complete four years of medical school and pass national exams. These doctors focus on finding the root cause of illness rather than just treating symptoms.

Naturopathic medicine combines modern medical science with traditional healing methods. NDs learn anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pathology just like medical doctors. They also study nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine, and counseling.

Licensed NDs must graduate from accredited four-year naturopathic medical school and pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam (NPLEX). After passing the exam, NDs must meet state requirements including background checks and continuing education.

NDs treat patients with herbs, nutrition counseling, lifestyle changes, physical therapies, and counseling. Some licensed naturopathic doctors can prescribe medications in states that allow it. They order lab tests, perform physical exams, and diagnose medical conditions within their scope of practice.

The difference between a licensed ND and traditional naturopaths matters for insurance coverage. Traditional naturopaths may have minimal training from correspondence courses or workshops. Only licensed NDs who graduate from accredited schools and pass national exams qualify for insurance reimbursement.

Which States Require Insurance Coverage For Naturopathic Doctors?

Five states have laws that prevent insurance companies from discriminating against naturopathic doctors. These non-discrimination laws mean insurance companies must treat NDs the same as other licensed providers.

Vermont leads the country with strong naturopathic coverage laws. Vermont Statutes Title 8, Chapter 107, Section 4088d requires insurance companies to cover services provided by naturopathic doctors. Alaska has similar protections under Alaska Statutes Title 21, Chapter 21.36, Section 21.36.090.

Washington State has the strongest protection with an "every provider mandate" law. Insurance companies based in Washington must cover all state-licensed providers. If your insurance originates in Washington and your ND holds a Washington license, your visits must be covered.

Oregon and Connecticut also protect naturopathic doctors through provider non-discrimination language. These five states make it easier to use insurance for holistic medicine services.

Licensed Jurisdictions

Twenty-six jurisdictions license naturopathic doctors in 2025. The licensed jurisdictions include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, US Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

Twelve states recognize naturopathic doctors as primary care providers. Primary care designation matters because insurance companies often require it for coverage eligibility. States that recognize NDs as primary care providers include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

Three states prohibit the practice of naturopathic medicine entirely. Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee ban naturopathic practice by law.

Does Private Insurance Cover Naturopathic Doctors?

Private insurance plans may cover naturopathic visits as in-network or out-of-network services. Over 20 U.S. states have laws requiring private health insurance plans to cover or reimburse services provided by licensed naturopathic physicians in certain circumstances.

Major insurance companies

Blue Cross Blue Shield plans offer some of the best naturopathic coverage among major insurance companies. Many BCBS plans in licensed states cover ND visits. BCBS Vermont and BCBS Washington provide particularly strong coverage because of state laws. Some Blue Cross Blue Shield plans offer "naturopathic riders" that add ND benefits to existing coverage.

Cigna covers naturopathic services in several states including Arizona, Oregon, and Washington. Coverage depends on whether the ND is in-network or out-of-network.

United Healthcare offers limited naturopathic coverage in states where NDs are licensed as primary care providers. Most ND services fall under out-of-network benefits with United Healthcare plans.

Aetna provides naturopathic coverage through some employer-sponsored plans. Regional insurance companies like Moda Health, PacificSource, Regence, and Providence plans in the Pacific Northwest often cover naturopathic doctors.

Plan Type Differences

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans usually cover out-of-network providers at a reduced rate. You can see an ND even if they are not in the plan's network. HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans require in-network providers and rarely cover naturopathic doctors because few NDs join HMO networks.

Does Medicare Cover Naturopathic Medicine?

No, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover naturopathic doctors. Federal law defines which providers Medicare recognizes, and naturopathic doctors are not included in that definition.

Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, hospice care, skilled nursing facilities, and some home health services. Medicare Part B covers outpatient services from recognized physicians including medical doctors (MDs), doctors of osteopathy (DOs), dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, and chiropractors.

Starting in 2024, Regence Medicare Advantage ceased coverage for naturopathic visits. Other Medicare Advantage companies followed this trend. The withdrawal of naturopathic benefits from Medicare Advantage plans represents a significant setback for seniors seeking integrative medicine services.

Medicare does cover certain services like acupuncture for chronic low back pain (up to 12 sessions in 90 days) and laboratory tests when ordered by Medicare-approved providers. For Medicare beneficiaries seeking holistic care, doctors of osteopathy (DOs) provide a covered alternative.

Does Medicaid Cover Naturopathic Medicine?

Most state Medicaid programs do not cover naturopathic doctors. Medicaid operates at the state level, giving each state control over covered benefits and approved providers.

Oregon stands out as a leader in Medicaid coverage for naturopathic medicine. Oregon law requires Coordinated Care Organizations to follow provider non-discrimination language. Vermont Medicaid (Green Mountain Care) provides full coverage for naturopathic services.

As of 2022, six states covered Medicaid for naturopathic doctors. This represents a small fraction of state Medicaid programs nationwide. Some states classify naturopathic services under "alternative medicine" benefits with annual dollar limits typically ranging from $500 to $2,000 per year.

How Do You Check if Your Insurance Covers Naturopathic Medicine?

Call your insurance company and ask specific questions about naturopathic coverage. Reading your policy alone may not give complete information.

Review your insurance policy booklet or benefits summary. Look for sections that define covered providers, alternative medicine benefits, or preventive services. Search for terms like naturopathic doctor, naturopathic physician, licensed ND, or complementary medicine.

Key Questions to Ask

When you call customer service, ask these questions. Does my policy cover services performed by licensed naturopathic doctors? What is the distinction between in-network and out-of-network naturopathic providers? Do any naturopathic doctors participate in my plan's network? What is my copay or coinsurance for naturopathic visits? Does my plan require pre-authorization before seeing an ND? Are supplements prescribed by naturopathic doctors covered? Can I get reimbursed if I pay the naturopathic doctor directly?

Take notes during the phone call including the representative's name, date, and time. Ask the representative to email or mail written confirmation of coverage details.

Contact the naturopathic doctor's office before your first appointment. Ask if they accept your insurance, whether they are in-network or out-of-network, and what payment they require at the visit.

What Does Naturopathic Medicine Cost Without Insurance?

First visits to naturopathic doctors cost $200 to $400 for 60-90 minutes of consultation time. Follow-up visits typically cost $100 to $200 for 30-45 minutes. Most patients need follow-up visits every 4-8 weeks depending on their health conditions.

Laboratory testing adds significant costs. Basic blood work costs $50 to $150. Comprehensive metabolic panels, hormone tests, and specialized functional medicine tests can cost $200 to $500 or more.

Supplements and herbal medicines represent ongoing monthly expenses. A typical treatment plan might include 3-5 supplements costing $30 to $200 per month total. Special treatments like IV therapy typically cost $100 to $300 per session.

Many naturopathic clinics offer package deals that reduce per-visit costs. Payment plans make naturopathic care more accessible for patients without insurance coverage.

Can you use HSA and FSA for Naturopathic Medicine?

Yes, Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) cover naturopathic services. These tax-advantaged accounts allow you to pay for naturopathic care with pre-tax dollars, reducing your effective cost by your tax rate.

Health Savings Accounts work with high-deductible health plans. You contribute pre-tax money that grows tax-free and can be withdrawn tax-free for qualified medical expenses. Visits to licensed naturopathic doctors qualify as medical expenses under IRS rules.

Eligible Expenses

You can use HSA and FSA money for:

• Office visits and consultations with licensed naturopathic doctors
• Diagnostic services and laboratory testing ordered by your ND

Supplements prescribed by your naturopathic doctor may qualify for HSA and FSA reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity. This letter explains why you need the supplement to treat a diagnosed medical condition.

Getting a Letter of Medical Necessity is straightforward. Ask your naturopathic doctor to write a brief letter on their letterhead. The letter should state your diagnosis, explain why the supplement is necessary for treatment, describe how long you need to take it, and include the doctor's signature and license number.

Using HSA or FSA money for functional medicine services makes natural health care more affordable. If you're in the 25% tax bracket, using pre-tax dollars saves you 25% on every naturopathic expense.

How Do You Get Reimbursed for Naturopathic Services?

Many insurance plans reimburse patients who pay naturopathic doctors directly. The reimbursement process requires proper documentation but can recover 50-80% of costs depending on your plan.

Pay your naturopathic doctor's full fee at the time of service. Request a superbill from your naturopathic doctor. A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes medical coding required for insurance claims. The superbill must show your name and date of birth, the provider's name and National Provider Identifier (NPI) number, date of service, diagnosis codes (ICD-10), procedure codes (CPT), and total charges.

Filing your claim

Download your insurance company's claim form from their website or request one by mail. Fill out all required fields including your member ID, group number, patient information, and provider details. Attach your superbill to the claim form and submit according to your insurance company's instructions.

Insurance companies typically process reimbursement claims within 2-6 weeks. The payment comes as a check mailed to your address or direct deposit to your bank account. An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) document explains what they paid and why.

Track all your reimbursement claims in a spreadsheet or notebook. Record the date submitted, claim amount, date processed, amount paid, and any issues. If you don't receive an EOB or payment within 6 weeks, call customer service.

What if Insurance Denies Your Claim?

You can appeal denied insurance claims through a formal process. Most states require insurance companies to have an appeals process and respond within specific timeframes.

Read the denial letter carefully to understand exactly why your claim was denied. Common reasons include no coverage for this provider type, service not medically necessary, procedure code not covered, diagnosis code does not match procedure, pre-authorization required, or claim submitted after filing deadline.

Call your insurance company's customer service department and ask for clarification. Contact your naturopathic doctor's office for help with denied claims. Experienced ND offices deal with insurance denials regularly and know how to address common issues.

Write a formal appeal letter if the denial seems incorrect. Include a Letter of Medical Necessity from your naturopathic doctor with your appeal. This letter explains why the treatment was necessary for your medical condition.

Submit your appeal to the address listed on your denial letter. Insurance companies must respond to first-level appeals within 30-60 days depending on state law and plan type.

How do You Add Naturopathic Coverage to Your Plan?

Contact your insurance agent or employer to add naturopathic benefits to your coverage. Many insurance companies offer naturopathic coverage as an optional benefit or rider.

For individual insurance plans, call your agent during open enrollment periods. Open enrollment typically runs from November through December for coverage starting January 1. Compare plans with and without naturopathic coverage to see the cost difference.

For employer-sponsored group insurance, talk to your human resources department about adding naturopathic coverage. Get coworkers to request naturopathic coverage too. Insurance companies and employers are more likely to add benefits when multiple employees express interest.

Present the business case for naturopathic coverage to your employer. Explain that preventive care and natural treatments may reduce overall health care costs. Group health plans often can add naturopathic coverage at no additional cost because the insurance company spreads risk across all employees.

Which Insurance Companies Cover Specific Naturopathic Services?

Coverage varies by service type and insurance plan. Office visits receive the most consistent coverage among insurance plans that cover naturopathic doctors. Initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and physical exams typically qualify for coverage.

Laboratory tests ordered by naturopathic doctors usually receive standard coverage. Insurance companies cover blood work, urine analysis, hormone panels, and other diagnostic tests regardless of who orders them. Tests performed at major labs like Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp generally receive full coverage.

Some specialty tests used in functional medicine may not receive coverage. Food sensitivity panels, comprehensive stool analysis, and genetic testing often fall outside standard insurance coverage.

Supplements and herbal medicines rarely receive direct insurance coverage. Acupuncture provided by naturopathic doctors receives growing coverage. Many insurance plans now cover acupuncture for chronic pain conditions.

Nutrition counseling qualifies as a covered service under many insurance plans, especially for conditions like diabetes, obesity, or digestive disorders. Mental health counseling provided by naturopathic doctors may qualify for mental health benefits under your insurance plan.

Does Insurance Cover Naturopathic Treatment for specific Health Conditions?

Insurance companies may cover naturopathic care more readily for specific diagnoses. Medical necessity drives coverage decisions, so having a clear diagnosis improves approval chances.

Chronic fatigue syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis receive growing recognition as legitimate medical conditions. Insurance companies increasingly cover naturopathic treatment for these conditions.

Digestive disorders including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, acid reflux, and food sensitivities commonly receive naturopathic treatment. Insurance often covers these visits because digestive disorders are clearly documented medical conditions.

Thyroid problems including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis qualify for insurance coverage. Allergies and respiratory conditions respond well to naturopathic treatments and are covered conditions under most insurance plans.

Autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and psoriasis increasingly receive naturopathic treatment. Hormonal imbalances affecting women's health receive good insurance coverage in most plans.

Diabetes and pre-diabetes qualify for extensive insurance coverage including nutrition counseling and lifestyle modification programs. Mental health conditions including depression and anxiety may receive coverage when treated by naturopathic doctors who provide counseling services.

The importance of diagnosis codes cannot be overstated. Your naturopathic doctor assigns ICD-10 codes based on symptoms, physical exam findings, and test results. These codes communicate to insurance companies that you receive treatment for legitimate medical conditions.

What is the Future of Naturopathic Insurance Coverage?

Advocacy groups work to expand naturopathic coverage nationwide through legislative and regulatory efforts. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians leads the Federal Recognition Campaign to add naturopathic doctors to Medicare's definition of physician.

Adding NDs to Medicare would help address the primary care provider shortage. The United States faces a projected shortage of 40,000 to 80,000 primary care doctors by 2030. Licensed naturopathic doctors could fill some of this gap.

Ten states actively pursue naturopathic licensure initiatives in 2025. New states seeking licensure include several in the Southeast and Midwest. Each new licensed state improves the profession's credibility and creates opportunities for insurance coverage.

Research on cost savings from naturopathic care supports insurance coverage expansion. Studies show that patients who use naturopathic medicine have fewer emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and prescription medication expenses.

The trend toward integrative medicine helps naturopathic doctors gain acceptance. Many hospitals, clinics, and health systems now employ naturopathic doctors as part of care teams. Patient demand for natural health options continues growing, and insurance companies respond to consumer preferences.

How does Cutler Integrative Medicine help with insurance?

Cutler Integrative Medicine in Bingham Farms, Michigan assists patients with insurance questions and reimbursement processes. The staff verifies insurance coverage before appointments and explains expected costs.

Cutler Integrative Medicine provides detailed superbills for patients who need to file insurance claims. These superbills include all required information for successful reimbursement. The practice offers multiple payment options including payment plans for patients without insurance coverage.

Services that may receive insurance coverage include comprehensive health evaluations, treatment of chronic conditions, nutrition counseling, and laboratory testing. The practice accepts Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account payments.

Telemedicine appointments may receive the same insurance coverage as in-person visits. The integrative approach at Cutler Integrative Medicine combines conventional and natural medicine to provide comprehensive care.

Frequently asked questions 

Do I Need a Referral to See a Naturopathic Doctor?

Most insurance plans do not require referrals for naturopathic doctor visits. PPO plans typically allow direct access to naturopathic doctors without referrals from primary care physicians. HMO plans may require referrals if they cover naturopathic services at all. Check your specific plan documents or call customer service to verify referral requirements.

Will my Insurance Cover Supplements Prescribed by a Naturopathic Doctor?

Insurance plans rarely cover supplements and herbal medicines directly. Most supplements fall under patient responsibility and must be paid out of pocket. However, you can use Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account funds to purchase prescribed supplements with a Letter of Medical Necessity from your naturopathic doctor.

How Long Does it Take to Get Reimbursed for Naturopathic Visits?

Insurance companies typically process reimbursement claims within 2-6 weeks after receiving complete documentation. The timeframe varies by insurance company and claim complexity. Submit claims promptly with accurate superbills to speed processing.

Can Naturopathic Doctors Prescribe Medications?

More than half of states that license naturopathic doctors allow some level of prescription authority. The scope of prescribing varies by state, with some allowing full prescription rights and others limiting NDs to specific medication categories. States typically do not allow naturopathic doctors to prescribe controlled substances.

What is the Difference Between in-Network and Out-of-Network Naturopathic Coverage?

In-network naturopathic doctors have contracts with your insurance company that establish set payment rates and typically result in lower out-of-pocket costs for patients. Out-of-network naturopathic doctors do not have contracts with your insurance, which usually means higher copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Out-of-network care often requires patients to pay upfront and file for partial reimbursement.

Final thoughts

Insurance coverage for naturopathic medicine improves each year as more states license NDs and insurance companies recognize natural health care value. Many private insurance plans offer some coverage through in-network benefits, out-of-network reimbursement, or alternative medicine benefits.

Check your specific insurance plan by calling customer service and asking detailed questions about naturopathic coverage. Don't assume your plan excludes naturopathic doctors without verifying coverage directly. Many patients discover they have benefits they didn't know existed.

Use Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts to pay for naturopathic care with pre-tax dollars if your regular insurance provides limited coverage. These accounts make natural health care more affordable by reducing your effective cost through tax savings.

Advocate for expanded naturopathic coverage by talking to your insurance company, employer, and elected representatives. Consumer demand drives insurance coverage decisions. The more people request naturopathic benefits, the more likely insurance companies will provide them.

Contact Cutler Integrative Medicine for help with insurance questions and to learn about integrative health services. The team provides personalized support for insurance verification, claim filing, and affordable care options. Take the first step toward better health through natural medicine today.