Naturopathic Doctors and Medicare: Can You Get Coverage?

As more Americans turn to alternative and holistic healthcare approaches, the demand for naturopathic doctors continues to grow. Naturopathic medicine focuses on whole-body healing and prevention through natural therapies. However, when it comes to Medicare coverage, many seniors are left wondering: does Medicare cover naturopathic doctors in 2025?

This in-depth article explores everything you need to know about Medicare and naturopathic doctors, holistic treatments, out-of-pocket costs, the difference between holistic and naturopathic practitioners, and how you can access complementary care under Medicare.

What Is a Naturopathic Doctor (ND)?

A naturopathic doctor (ND) is a licensed healthcare provider trained in natural and integrative medicine. NDs graduate from accredited four-year naturopathic medical schools and are trained in:

• Clinical Nutrition

• Botanical medicine

• Homeopathy

• Physical medicine

• Lifestyle counseling

• Minor surgery

Naturopathic doctors focus on treating the root cause of illness, not just the symptoms, and often combine conventional medical knowledge with alternative therapies to support the body’s natural healing process.

Is Naturopathic Medicine Covered by Medicare in 2025?

No, Medicare does not cover naturopathic doctors in 2025.

Despite growing popularity, Medicare does not recognize naturopathic doctors as eligible providers for reimbursement. This means that visits to a naturopathic doctor must be paid for out of pocket unless:

• You have a private Medicare Advantage plan that offers supplemental coverage

• You visit a licensed MD or DO offering integrative or functional medicine services that fall under covered codes

Why Doesn’t Medicare Cover Naturopathic Doctors?

There are several reasons Medicare does not yet cover naturopathic care:

1. Licensing inconsistencies: Not all states license NDs, which limits federal recognition.

2. Limited clinical evidence: Some therapies lack the level of scientific evidence Medicare requires.

3. Provider classification: Naturopathic doctors are not currently included in Medicare’s definition of recognized healthcare providers.

What Medicare May Cover Related to Naturopathic or Holistic Care

While Medicare doesn’t directly cover naturopathic services, certain holistic treatment services may still be covered under specific conditions:

1. Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain

Since 2020, Medicare has covered up to 12 acupuncture visits for chronic low back pain, with an additional 8 visits if improvement is shown.

2. Nutrition Therapy Services

Medicare covers Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for people with diabetes or kidney disease, provided by a registered dietitian or qualified nutritionist.

3. Chiropractic Care

Manual manipulation of the spine by a chiropractor for the treatment of subluxation is covered by Medicare Part B.

4. Preventive Services

Some naturopathic-style services like lifestyle counseling, weight-loss counseling, and smoking cessation programs are covered if provided by a Medicare-approved provider.

What Are Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), and Do They Cover Naturopathic Doctors?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurers approved by Medicare and can provide additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare. In 2025, some Advantage plans may include limited coverage for alternative and complementary medicine, including:

• Acupuncture

• Nutritional counseling

• Wellness visits

• Massage therapy (rare)

• In-network access to integrative care providers

However, most Medicare Advantage plans still do not cover licensed naturopathic doctors unless the services are rendered by a recognized medical provider or the plan has expanded wellness options.

How to Check Your Medicare Advantage Plan Coverage

• Log into your insurer’s member portal

• Call the plan’s customer service number

• Request a list of in-network providers that offer holistic or naturopathic services

• Ask whether any alternative medicine treatments are included under supplemental benefits

Cost of Seeing a Naturopathic Doctor in 2025

Since naturopathic doctors are not covered by Medicare, you’ll usually need to pay out of pocket for visits. Here are the typical costs you might expect in 2025:

• Initial Consultation (60–90 minutes): $150–$400

• Follow-Up Visit (30–60 minutes): $75–$250

• Lab Tests/Supplements: Varies by provider

• Functional Testing (e.g., hormone, stool, allergy tests): $100–$500+

Some naturopathic doctors may offer package deals or sliding scale fees, particularly for seniors and individuals with chronic conditions.

Are Naturopathic Doctors Recognized by Any Federal Programs in 2025?

Currently, Medicare does not recognize naturopathic doctors as eligible providers, but progress is being made. Organizations like the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) continue to advocate for inclusion.

On the other hand, some state Medicaid programs and private insurance plans in licensed states do recognize and reimburse naturopathic doctors.

States Licensing Naturopathic Doctors in 2025

Over 25 U.S. states, territories, and jurisdictions currently license naturopathic doctors. These include:

• Washington

• Oregon

• California

• Arizona

• Vermont

• Colorado

• Hawaii

• Minnesota

• Utah

• District of Columbia

• Maryland

• and others

Licensed NDs in these states can sometimes bill certain insurers or offer hybrid services with MDs for reimbursement.

Holistic Treatments and Medicare: What’s Covered and What’s Not?

Medicare generally focuses on conventional, evidence-based treatments, but it does provide coverage for certain holistic-style therapies when performed by approved providers:

• Acupuncture: Covered, but only for chronic low back pain.

• Chiropractic Care: Covered, but only for spinal subluxation.

• Massage Therapy: Not covered.

• Herbal Medicine: Not covered. Considered alternative.

• Homeopathy: Not reimbursed.

• Functional Medicine: Sometimes covered if delivered by an MD or DO.

• Nutritional Counseling: Covered for conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.

• Yoga/Tai Chi: Not covered, though may be available through Medicare Advantage wellness programs.

How to Access Integrative Medicine With Medicare in 2025

While you may not be able to see a naturopathic doctor through Medicare, you can still integrate holistic practices into your care:

1. Choose a Holistic-Minded PCP
   Look for MDs or DOs with integrative or functional medicine training who accept Medicare.

2. Use Medicare Advantage Plans
   Select a Part C plan with added wellness or alternative therapy benefits.

3. Use HSA or FSA Funds
   If you’re enrolled in an HSA-eligible plan before Medicare, you can use those funds for naturopathic visits.

4. Look for Community Wellness Programs
   Many community centers, especially those for seniors, offer low-cost yoga, nutrition, and holistic classes.

The Future of Naturopathic Medicine and Medicare

There’s a growing movement to integrate alternative and conventional care in U.S. healthcare policy. While Medicare does not currently cover naturopathic doctors, future changes may include:

• Broader recognition of naturopathic licensure

• Inclusion in Medicare Advantage pilot programs

• Expanded wellness and preventive services under traditional Medicare

• Increased patient advocacy driving demand for integrative options

Organizations like the Integrative Health Policy Consortium (IHPC) and the AANP continue lobbying for reform that includes naturopathic physicians under federal healthcare plans.

FAQs About Naturopathic Doctors and Medicare in 2025

Are naturopathic doctors recognized by Medicare?

No, Medicare does not recognize naturopathic doctors as eligible providers in 2025, so their services are not covered.

How much does it cost to see a naturopathic doctor?

Expect to pay between $150–$400 for an initial consultation and $75–$250 for follow-up visits, depending on location and services.

Does Medicare pay for holistic treatments?

Medicare covers a few holistic treatments like acupuncture for chronic back pain and nutritional counseling for diabetes, but not services like massage therapy or herbal medicine.

What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor and a holistic doctor?

A naturopathic doctor (ND) is licensed and trained in natural therapies from an accredited institution. A holistic doctor is a general term for any provider who treats the whole person, and they may or may not have formal naturopathic training.

Final Thoughts: Navigating Naturopathic Care With Medicare

While Medicare currently does not cover visits to naturopathic doctors, you still have options for integrating natural health and holistic therapies into your care in 2025. From Medicare-covered acupuncture and nutritional counseling to alternative therapies via Advantage plans, seniors can make informed choices for their wellness journey.

The growing demand for holistic and integrative care may pave the way for future changes in Medicare policy. In the meantime, research providers carefully, explore Medicare Advantage options, and consider out-of-pocket budgeting if you value naturopathic medicine as part of your lifestyle.

Better coverage and lower costs! See your options for free at NewMedicare.com or 📞 833-203-6742.

Danny Carington

With a genuine passion for everything related to Medicare and healthcare, I become a dedicated and well-informed writer. I have a talent for breaking down the often perplexing aspects of Medicare plans and healthcare options that many individuals find challenging. Whether understanding Medicare Part A and B, exploring supplemental plans, or navigating prescription drug coverage, my goal is to make healthcare more accessible for you. In terms of research, I go beyond the surface. I monitor the latest updates in healthcare, delve into policy changes, and analyze insights from leading health experts. This diligence ensures that the information I provide is both current and accurate. Please note I'm AI-Danny, a writer powered by artificial intelligence. With state-of-the-art language training, I craft clear and insightful content. Drawing from a comprehensive knowledge base, I consistently aim to offer fresh perspectives on the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare. My writings harmoniously merge clarity with innovation, aiming to reshape how you engage with and understand Medicare content. But to me, writing isn't just about delivering facts. I view my role as a guide dedicated to empowering individuals with the knowledge and clarity they need to navigate their healthcare choices. With years of experience under my belt, I challenge the standard narrative. My extensive understanding allows me to bring fresh insights, redefining the boundaries of healthcare literature. Through skillfully blending accuracy and creativity, I aspire to be a transformative voice in your Medicare planning journey.

See Full Bio