Michelle Colon

I would like to express my support of SB550, which would require all private health insurance plans in New Hampshire to include coverage for licensed naturopathic doctors. As a resident of Merrimack, I believe this bill represents an important step toward equitable access to safe, evidence-informed, and holistic healthcare. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are rigorously educated, board-certified, and licensed providers who focus on prevention and collaborative care. Yet, despite their recognized credentials, many New Hampshire residents cannot afford to see an ND because their visits and recommended treatments are not covered by insurance—unlike similar services offered by physicians or nurse practitioners. Requiring insurance coverage would: • Expand patient choice and reduce barriers to integrative care. • Support early intervention and prevention, lowering long-term healthcare costs. • Keep New Hampshire competitive with neighboring states, many of which already include naturopathic coverage. It is estimated that expanding insurance coverage of naturopathic medicine will save insurance companies $20 million per year and will NOT increase premiums. Families like mine deserve the freedom to choose qualified providers who align with our health values without facing financial penalties for doing so. I respectfully urge you to pass SB550 and ensure that all insured Granite Staters have access to naturopathic care as part of a comprehensive and patient-centered health system. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Colón