Legislation
SUPPORT SB 550
Naturopathic Doctors have been covered under individual insurance plans since 2013, but only certain group insurance plans (ie plans through a job) cover naturopathic medicine.
Only 5.5% of NH residents have insurance plans guaranteed to cover naturopathic medicine.
In NH, 55% of people are covered by employer-sponsored insurance, but only some group insurance plans cover naturopathic care.
Patients with group insurance are frequently unable to use their benefits for naturopathic services, despite availability of Naturopathic Doctors in all regions of the state, many of whom accept private insurance.
This creates an avoidable barrier to accessing naturopathic medicine in NH.
SB 550-FN would require insurance companies to cover Naturopathic Doctors under group plans, allowing ALL patients with private insurance to finally access naturopathic care.
Why Passing SB 550 is Essential
- Patients want access to naturopathic medicine
- Reducing unnecessary financial burden on families
- Equity among private insurance members
- Reducing the healthcare provider shortageEquity among providers
- Naturopathic Medicine is Cost-Effective
This bill reduces out-of-pocket costs for families and administrative burden for patients, providers, and insurance companies.
We estimate that expanding insurance coverage of naturopathic medicine will save each insurance company $20 million per year and will not increase premiums.
Public Hearing: 1/28/26, Senate Health and Human Services Committee, 9:30am, State House Room 100