Insurance & Payment Information for Naturopathic Care 

 

Health insurance coverage for naturopathic medicine in California works differently than for conventional medical offices. The information below is meant to help you understand what is typically covered, what is not, and how reimbursement works.

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Are Naturopathic Doctors “in-network” with insurance?

In California, most licensed Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are not contracted (in-network) providers with insurance companies. Coverage therefore depends on your individual plan.

Government plans

• Medicare: does not cover visits or treatments performed by naturopathic doctors

• Medi-Cal: generally does not cover naturopathic office visits 

Private insurance plans

• HMO plans: typically do not cover naturopathic care

• PPO plans: may reimburse a portion of visits as out-of-network care

 

Because policies vary widely, the most important step is to call your insurer and ask:

“Do I have out-of-network benefits for a licensed Naturopathic Doctor, and what documentation do you require for reimbursement?”

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What insurance commonly helps cover

Many plans will reimburse or apply toward your deductible for:

• Out-of-network office visits (depending on your plan)

• Standard laboratory testing performed through contracted labs

• Imaging ordered through covered facilities

Reimbursement amounts vary significantly and are determined entirely by your insurance company.

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What insurance usually does NOT cover

Most plans do not cover many integrative or specialty therapies, including:

• extended wellness consultations

• nutritional counseling beyond preventive guidelines

• IV nutrient therapies

• injection therapies

• supplements or nutraceuticals

These services are typically patient-paid at the time of care.

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Superbill & CMS-1500 Claim Forms

For patients who request reimbursement, we provide documentation you may submit to your insurance company.

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We can provide:

• a detailed receipt

• billing codes

• a CMS-1500 health insurance claim form (superbill)

You submit this directly to your insurer.
Payment, if approved, is sent to you — not to our office.

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HSA & FSA Accounts

Many patients successfully use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to pay for care.

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These commonly cover:

• office visits

• laboratory testing

• supplements recommended by your provider

• certain procedures (depending on plan rules)

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Because each administrator sets its own requirements, we recommend confirming eligibility with your plan.

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A note about evolving coverage

Insurance coverage for naturopathic medicine varies widely by state and plan. California currently relies mostly on out-of-network reimbursement rather than in-network participation. Some patients do receive reimbursement, while others use tax-advantaged health accounts instead.

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Questions?

We are happy to provide the documentation needed for reimbursement and explain how to submit claims. Coverage decisions, reimbursement amounts, and eligibility are determined solely by your insurance provider.