Will Medicare Cover Naturopathy and Alternative Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine tries to use the body's natural healing abilities to fight off diseases rather than using outside agents such as drugs or surgery. Naturopaths try holistic approaches such as using herbs, changes in diet and more exercise. They also attempt to prevent health problems before they begin through education. However, naturopathic medicine is not considered a part of mainstream medicine in the United States.

Alternative Medicine
Although at one time naturopathic medicine was covered by Medicaid, another national health insurance program, it is not covered by either Medicaid nor Medicare as of 2011. Neither naturopathy nor any other kind of health care considered "alternative" has benefits to cover it under any part of Medicare. This includes acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and massage therapy. Chiropractic services are usually not covered, either, but there is an exception for cases involving subluxation of the spine. Subluxation is a condition where the spinal bones have moved out of alignment. Chiropractors are allowed by Medicare to realign the subluxation if it is deemed medically necessary.

Main Medicare Services
Medicare will pay for a variety of services. Original Medicare is actually two parts, named A and B. Part A has coverage mainly for inpatient mental health and hospital services. Part B covers mostly preventive services, such as health screens and doctor exams, and outpatient services. If you purchase your Parts A and B benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan, you may also get additional benefits for vision, hearing or dental care. Part D Medicare covers only prescription medications.

Medical Equipment
Medicare might also pay for durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, hospital beds and oxygen supplies. If your physician prescribes it to you for use in your home, Medicare Part B benefits may cover it. Copay amounts depend on whether the equipment can be rented or must be purchased. However, the supplier of the medical equipment must be an approved vendor and participate in Medicare before Medicare will pay the claim.

Additional Services
In addition to hospital services, physical exams and preventive screenings, Medicare covers a few extra services, such as home health, skilled nursing facility care and hospice. Medicare has no benefit for long-term nursing home care, but will cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under certain conditions. If you are considered homebound, you may be approved for home health equipment and visits by licensed nurses and doctors. If a person is diagnosed with a terminal illness and is in their last six months, they can choose hospice care under a Medicare Part A benefit. Hospice centers on a patient living the remainder of his life pain-free and comfortable, usually at home, rather than pursuing aggressive treatment.

References
Naturopathic Clinic of Concord: Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.pamelaherring.com/faqs.html#medicare

Medicare Interactive: What is Not Covered by Medicare?
http://www.medicareinteractive.org/page2.php?topic=counselor&page=script&slide_id=215

Medicare.Gov: Medicare Benefits
http://www.medicare.gov/navigation/medicare-basics/medicare-benefits/medicare-benefits-overview.aspx

Medicare.Gov: Your Medicare Coverage-Durable Medical Equipment
http://www.medicare.gov/Coverage/Search/Results.asp?State=TX|Texas&Coverage=23|Durable+Medical+Equipment&submitState=View+Results+%3E

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
http://www.naturopathic.org/index.asp

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Medicare Coverage Database
http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/overview-and-quick-search.aspx