Why Medicare doesn't pay NDs
Medicare Part B pays for "physicians' services" only when they come from the professionals listed in federal rules (42 CFR 410.20): doctors of medicine or osteopathy, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists and qualifying chiropractors. Other practitioners, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, are covered under their own rules. Naturopathic doctors aren't on any of these lists, so Medicare doesn't enroll them or pay their claims, even in Oregon, where the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine licenses NDs and they may prescribe under the board's rules.
What it means for you
| Service | From an ND | From a Medicare provider |
|---|---|---|
| Office visits | You pay | Part B, with the deductible and 20% coinsurance |
| Lab tests and imaging | Generally you pay when the ND orders them | Covered when medically necessary |
| Preventive visits and screenings | You pay | Many at no cost, such as the yearly Wellness visit |
| Prescriptions | Ask your Part D plan | Covered if on your plan's formulary |
Medigap doesn't change this; it only pays its share of services Medicare covers.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans must cover what Original Medicare covers. Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing or fitness. Extra benefits vary by plan and county, may have limits and costs, and not every plan offers them. Check a plan's Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage. If seeing an ND matters to you, ask the plan whether it covers naturopathic care before you enroll.
Using an ND alongside Medicare
- Keep a Medicare primary care provider. An MD, DO, nurse practitioner or physician assistant can order covered tests and manage covered care.
- Share records. Tell both providers about every medicine and supplement you take.
- Ask about costs. NDs set their own prices, so ask before a visit or test.
If you want acupuncture, Medicare covers it only for chronic low back pain and only from certain providers; see the acupuncture page.
Related questions
Does Medicare cover acupuncture in Oregon?
Chronic low back pain rules.
Does Medicare cover chiropractic in Oregon?
What Part B pays chiropractors.
Does Medicare cover annual physicals in Oregon?
No-cost preventive visits.
Sources
- 42 CFR 410.20 — Physicians' services
- 42 CFR 410.32 — Diagnostic tests: conditions
- Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine
- Medicare.gov — Acupuncture
More questions in this guide
- Does Medicare cover acupuncture in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover ambulance service in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover annual physicals in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover assisted living in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover bone density tests in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover cataract surgery in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover chiropractic care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover a colonoscopy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover CPAP machines in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover dental care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover diabetic supplies in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover flu shots in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover hearing aids in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover home health care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare pay for in-home caregivers in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover mammograms in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover me when I travel or spend winters outside Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover medical marijuana in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover memory care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover mental health care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover nursing home care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover oxygen therapy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover physical therapy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover prostate cancer screening in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover psilocybin therapy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover skilled nursing care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover the shingles vaccine in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover transportation to medical appointments in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover vision care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover wheelchairs in Oregon?
Part of the guide: Learn Medicare — the Oregon starter guide · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep seeing my naturopathic doctor after I get Medicare?
Yes. Medicare doesn't limit who you see; it only decides what it pays for. You will pay the ND's fees yourself, so ask about prices up front.
Will Medicare pay for lab tests my ND orders?
Generally no. Medicare covers diagnostic tests ordered by the physician or qualified practitioner treating you, and NDs aren't among them. Ask a Medicare provider to order tests you need.
Will my Part D plan fill a prescription from my ND?
Ask your plan. A plan can only cover a drug on its formulary with a valid prescription, and it can tell you whether it accepts prescriptions from your ND.
Medicare in your Oregon county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Multnomah · Washington · Clackamas · Lane · Marion · Jackson · Deschutes · Linn · Douglas · Yamhill · Benton · Polk · Josephine · Umatilla · Klamath · Coos · Columbia · Lincoln · Clatsop · Malheur · All 36 counties →
