Although insurance companies are not required to cover Naturopathic Doctor services in California, more and more health insurance companies are covering naturopathic office visits. You can ask your insurance company whether you have Naturopathic coverage directly. If you believe Naturopathic Doctor services are covered, you can request a “Superbill” from our office, and then you can submit it to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Besides your monthly health insurance premium, if you routinely pay additional substantial out-of-pocket, co-pay expenses for such things as: routine medical appointments, prescription drugs, blood and other laboratory tests, etc, Naturopathic Medicine may be a bargain compared to those out-of-pocket medical expenses. What you receive from Naturopathic Medicine is nothing less than a health plan designed by your ND that will help you to thrive over the long haul, not just to reduce your symptoms for the short run.
If you have an insurance that does not cover these naturopathic services, you can use of a Health Savings Account (HSA) or flexible savings plan may to cover your care. Check with your employer to see if one of these options are available. If you do not have naturopathic coverage, let your insurance company know that this is something you would like for them to provide in the future. More coverage will become standard when more individuals request it! For more information on health insurance and naturopathic medicine, please follow the link: http://www.calnd.org/patients
Health Insurance Providers Covering Naturopathic Services in California
1. Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield offers a discount program through ChooseHealthy®, providing members with 25% off services like acupuncture, chiropractic care, and therapeutic massage. However, these are not covered benefits under standard health plans.
2. Aetna
Aetna’s coverage for naturopathic services can vary.
3. Health Net
Health Net provides various health plans, including those for individuals and families. While specific coverage for naturopathic services isn’t detailed, it’s advisable to contact Health Net directly to inquire about naturopathic coverage under your specific plan.
4. Molina Healthcare
Molina Healthcare primarily offers managed care through Medicaid and Medicare programs. Coverage for naturopathic services under Molina plans is not explicitly stated, so it’s recommended to reach out to them directly for detailed information.
Tips for Navigating Naturopathic Coverage
- Review Your Policy: Check the “Definition of Physician” in your insurance policy. If it doesn’t specifically exclude naturopathic doctors, you might be eligible for coverage.
- Contact Your Insurer: Ask your insurance provider if services performed by a licensed naturopathic doctor are covered. Be prepared to provide documentation if necessary.
- Utilize FSAs and HSAs: Many Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can be used to pay for naturopathic services, lab work, and supplements.
- Submit a Superbill: request a superbill to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.
- Advocate for Coverage: If your employer-sponsored plan doesn’t cover naturopathic services, consider discussing the possibility of adding such coverage with your HR department.
