Naturopathic medicine is a unique healthcare solution used by thousands of people across the US and Canada. Naturopaths or naturopathic doctors combine science with natural forms of medicine. This kind of medicine bases its practice on finding the root or source of any health problem. Naturopaths believe that the body can heal itself naturally as long as it’s in its “natural state” of being.
Naturopathic medicine specializes in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), meaning all the solutions are natural, but are still scientifically effective. This can include therapies such as:
- Acupuncture
- Botanical medicine
- Clinical nutrition
- Disease prevention
- Hydrotherapy
- Homeopathic solutions
- Naturopathic manipulation
- Traditional Chinese medicine
- Lifestyle counselling
- Disease prevention
Although there has been a recent surge in popularity for naturopathic medicine, it’s been an active part of healthcare for ages. By 1920, naturopathic medicine was assimilated into North America’s mainstream medicine.
Also Read: Open Enrollment 2021: Changes You Need To Know About
Are Naturopathic Doctors Real Doctors?
There is a difference between a naturopath and a naturopathic doctor. A naturopath will exclusively study naturopathic medicine. A naturopathic doctor is a practitioner who specializes in naturopathic medicine. This means that they are trained in primary care like your regular GP, but they have a specialty in this form of medicine.
CAM approaches health by both preventing and finding the root cause or underlying issue relating to any health ailments. This can help patients seeking to:
- Prevent disease and promote healthy lifestyles.
- Properly diagnose and address health issues and ranges of symptoms.
- Treat chronic illnesses.
- Minimize negative side effects of prescription drugs, surgery, or other therapies.
- Find solutions that combine natural and contemporary medicine.
These doctors do need to have a medical board certification in order to practice medicine. When looking for a naturopath or naturopathic doctor, always make sure they are certified if you specifically want a doctor.
Not all states have regulations for naturopathic doctors. Check out the table below to see if your state has regulations on naturopathic doctors and health.
| Licensed With Some Insurance Coverage | Licensed or Registered | Bills On Licensing Pending (2020) | Future Licensing Opportunities (2020/2021) | Unregistered |
| Washington | California | Wyoming | Iowa | Nevada |
| Oregon | Idaho | Oklahoma | Texas | South Dakota |
| Montana | North Dakota | Illinois | Indiana | Nebraska |
| Utah | Minnesota | Minnesota | Ohio | Mosourri |
| Arizona | Kanas | New York | Tennessee | Arkansas |
| Vermont | New Mexico | New Jersey | Georgia | Louisiana |
| New Hampshire | Maryland | North Carolina | Florida | Kentucky |
| Maine | Pennsylvania | Virginia | Mississippi | South Carolina |
| Connecticut | Alabama | |||
| Alaska | Kentucky | |||
| Hawaii | ||||
| District of Columbia | ||||
| Puerto Rico | ||||
| Virgin Islands | ||||
| Colorado |
Will My Insurance Cover Naturopathic Visits?
It’s estimated that people spend 30 billion dollars out-of-pocket for their naturopathic expenses. Despite how popular this practice is, it’s still not considered a legitimate form of medicine because it’s so unregulated. Health insurance could help patients with the cost of out-of-pocket expenses and with regular visits, but health insurance rarely covers these things.
As you can see from our chart, only a select number of states will cover naturopathic visits on insurance. These visits may not be fully covered on your plan either. Check with your health insurance provider and your state regulations to see if you have coverage for naturopathic medicine. You can also call Quote Purple to see what plans may include naturopathic health coverage from one of our many partners.
Why Won’t Insurance Cover Naturopathic Doctors?
Although there are legitimate naturopaths and naturopathic doctors who do extensive and scientific research on CAM, many states still don’t have laws on registration. This can also be an issue when false doctors and naturopaths claim to have ridiculous solutions to profit off of patients.
The White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy (WHCCAMP) had extensive debates on this back in the early 2000’s. The Commission came to the conclusion that because CAM has no universal theoretical model on its integration with conventional therapies, it has no scientific standing. This makes it difficult for your insurance company to decide if claims can actually be considered health-related if it has no state-regulated scientific backing to prove it.
What Naturopathic Medicine is Covered By Health Insurance
It is possible in some cases to have your naturopathic doctor covered by health insurance. Many health insurance plans require either pre-authorized visits, or reimburse the service later. To be reimbursed, you’ll need a superbill or service summary from your doctor. This will explain necessary treatments and prescriptions required from your visit.
If you do contact your healthcare provider to seek coverage, mention that your chosen naturopathic doctor is a licensed physician and a primary caregiver. Many patients can have their visits reimbursed or partially reimbursed if they use a licensed naturopathic doctor. Things such as lab tests, which are already covered by a lot of health insurance plans, can be fully covered by health insurance.
If you’re still shopping around for health insurance during open enrolment this November, be sure to mention your concerns over naturopathic coverage. To find a provider with naturopathic coverage, or to talk to someone about your state’s regulations, call Quote Purple. We have lots of partners who can help answer all your questions before open enrolment comes.